International Board in Hong Kong

Members of the International Board of the Compass Rose Society met in Hong Kong at the end of April for their mid-year board meeting.

Society members outside St. John's Cathedral in Hong Kong

Mr. Norris Battin, Chair of the Communications committee, and the Reverend Jan Naylor Cope, Secretary to the Board, confer during the recent board meetings in Hong Kong.

Board members were welcomed to Hong Kong by Archbishop Paul Kwong, who extended gracious hospitality to the board.  The Archbishop also hosted a dinner for the board and existing members from Hong Kong.  This was an opportunity for the Compass Rose story to be told to a number of invited guests.

Archbishop Paul Kwong welcomes Society members to his Province of the Anglican Communion.

Society President, Bishop Philip Poole, expressed his thanks to the Archbishop and Province of Hong Kong for hosting the meetings.  "I was impressed by the ministry of this Province, especially in the areas of education and charitable relief.  I appreciated meeting members of the Anglican Church here and sharing insights into our common life.  The ministry and support of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui is essential to both the Society and the Anglican Communion as a whole."

Board member Mr. Robert Foltz with President Philip Poole, who never misses an opportunity to promote the Compass Rose Society.

During their meetings, the board of the Society pledged support to the Diocese of Haiti and decided to make an appeal to its members on the Diocese's behalf, following consultation with Bishop Duracin of Haiti.  The Bishop will be guest speaker at the Society's upcoming Annual General Meeting in September.

Following the board meeting, some of the board accompanied Hong Kong Society members on a trip to Macau, which is a designated missionary area of the Province.  Members visited a number of parishes and the Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School.

The Very Reverend Sam Candler, 1st Vice President of the Society, found the trip to Macau very rewarding.  "What a tremendous experience!  We visited four parishes and schools where the Anglican Church has a presence of vitality and creativity; in addition, we made pilgrimage to the grave of Robert Morrison and Morrison Chapel (where the first woman priest of the Anglican Communion, Florence Li Tim-Oi, served).  Plus, we did all this without setting foot in the famous casinos there!  I am grateful to our excellent hosts, Joey Fan, Antonia Wong and Ben Cheung."

Compass Rose members at the Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School playground, which features a prominent Compass Rose symbol.

Dean Candler preached on the Sunday following at St. Mary's Anglican Church in Hong Kong.  St. Mary's is the home parish of his fellow VP and board member, Mr. Joey Fan.

Dean Candler's sermon may be read here.