ASIA/HONG KONG - 1st “East Asian Meeting on Women” confirms important role of women in the life of the Church and the life of society

Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - The first “East Asian Meeting on Women” organised by the Commission for the Laity of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences FABC was held from 15 to 19 August Hong Kong. Kong Ko Bao Hong Kong diocesan bulletin reports that about 40 people, laity, women religious, priests and one bishop, all from eastern Asia, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea took part in the meeting, the first of its kind. The topic for discussion was the mission of women and the challenges of the 21 century. The meeting opened with Mass presided by Bishop John Tong, auxiliary of Hong Kong. In his homily the bishop recalled the important contribution women offer to the life of the Church and of society, mentioning by way of example “women immigrants from the Philippines employed as home helpers who spread the Christian message in the families in which they work”.
In 1995 FABC opened a special Women’s Desk within the Commission for the Laity to deal with questions regarding women, solve difficulties encountered with regard to formation and help women find recognition and their proper place in the Church and in society. (Agenzia Fides 02/09/2005 Righe: 17 Parole: 219)