HONG KONG (SE): In a gesture of growing ecumenical unity, Catholics and Anglicans gathered for a joint Passover Seder on March 20 at the Centennial Building of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kowloon City. The evening brought together more than 200 members of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui [Anglican] for a shared reflection on faith, history, and unity.
The event was organised by the International Anglican–Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, comprising six clergy or lay representatives from the Anglican Church in Hong Kong and six from the Catholic Church.
Passover is a significant Jewish festival commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Passover meal, or Seder, holds particular resonance for Christians, as Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples in this context, giving the new commandment to “love one another”.
This marked the third time the two Churches have jointly organised the event. The previous Seder was held at Caritas Community Hall, Caine Road, in 2024 and was officiated by Anglican Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming, while the first took place in 2023 at Holy Trinity Cathedral.
This year’s Seder was officiated by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., co-chairperson of the commission, and led by representatives of both the Catholic and Anglican Churches seated at a table on stage. Among them were Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming, primate of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui; Bishop Matthias Clement Der Tze-wo, co-chairperson of the commission; Bishop Timothy Kwok Chi-pei of the East Kowloon Diocese; Reverend Franklin Lee On-yip of Holy Trinity Cathedral; Reverend Frankie Lee; and Reverend Lee Kwok-kuen, who hosted the programme. Also present were Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, chairperson of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, Father Paul Kam Po-wai, vicar general, and Deacon Paul Lui.
Cardinal Stephen opened the meal with a prayer of thanksgiving for creation and for the festival, explaining that the breaking of unleavened bread symbolises the “bread of affliction” eaten by the Israelites in Egypt. Responding to a child’s question about the meaning of the ritual, he recounted the history of the Israelites, God’s promise to Abraham, and their liberation from slavery.
He went on to explain the symbolism of the Passover elements: the lamb, recalling God’s protection of the Israelites during the plague of the firstborn; the unleavened bread, representing their hasty departure; and the bitter herbs, signifying the suffering of slavery. He emphasised that each generation is called to see itself as part of God’s continuing work of deliverance.
Photo Joseph Lam
Photo Joseph Lam
At the conclusion of the Seder, Cardinal Stephen led the assembly in praise and thanksgiving, affirming that life and redemption flow from God’s love and mercy.
At the beginning of the evening, Reverend Lee Kwok-kuen described the gathering as a meaningful ecumenical encounter rather than merely a shared meal. Speaking to the Sunday Examiner, he noted that while unresolved liturgical differences can sometimes create tension, interactive communal experiences—such as last year’s joint Stations of the Cross and the Passover Seder—can foster deeper unity, as seen in the spontaneous participation of those present.
Bishop Timothy Kwok Chi-pei said the event helped promote mutual understanding between the two Christian traditions, which share many similarities in belief and practice. He expressed gratitude for the support of Anglican schools, volunteers, and Caritas-Hong Kong in providing the meal. Despite the logistical challenge of arranging 23 large tables from different schools, he noted that the third event ran more smoothly thanks to improved organisation.
Florence Yung, a member of the commission and external secretary of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, said she was encouraged to see that the third joint Seder had fostered deeper communication and understanding among clergy and the faithful alike, while also promoting further collaboration.
The event drew over 200 participants from both Churches. Lisa So, from St. John’s Parish, said she attended in the hope of building closer ties with Anglicans. She noted the warmth and friendliness she experienced, adding that such encounters help break down perceived barriers and foster genuine relationships.
At the close of the event, Father Kam invited participants to join the upcoming Taizé meeting for young people in Asia, to be held at St. Benedict’s Church, Sha Tin, from April 30 to May 3—another opportunity for the two Churches to gather in prayer and fellowship.
He noted that, in addition to more than 40 local Catholic and Protestant participants, over 160 young people from other regions are expected to attend, and that around 30 more host families are still needed to support the event.
