In my third year at university, I was doing an exchange program in the Netherlands, enjoying a rich experience in academia and culture. One day, I received a text from Revd Matthew Lee saying, ‘are you interested? Do you have time?’ with an attachment of an introduction to the Anglican Communion Youth Network (ACYN) Creation Care Committee. As someone concerned with environmental issues, I filled out the application form without hesitation, even though I was not clear about what exactly I would be doing.
I am Agnes from the All Saints’ Cathedral and have been a member of ACYN since 2022. ACYN’s five marks of mission are: First, ‘to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.’ Second, ‘to teach, baptise, and nurture new believers.’ Third, ‘to respond to human needs by loving service.’ Fourth, ‘ to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.’ Fifth, ‘to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.’ As a member, I participate in relevant ministries and connect with Anglican youth globally to advocate against social injustices. This journey has become an important milestone in my faith.
Advocate: On the International Stage for Climate Action, Every voice counts
I had heard that the worldwide Anglican Communion had representatives at the United Nations, raise concerns on issues of justice, conflict, and care for creation, but I never thought I would be the one to participate. The UN seemed distant to me, filled with the authority of high-ranking officials. However, at the end of 2023, I had the opportunity to unveil this mystery.
The 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where I was the youngest delegate from the Anglican Consultative Council. My companions included the Anglican permanent representative to the UN, the Bishop of Panama, the climate change officer, and the Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East. It was indeed an honour to walk alongside climate advocates. While everyone is affected by climate changes, my voice counts too.
We met with representatives from various countries, businesses, investors, NGOs, and faith groups to share our calls to action and listen to potential changes on climate issues from all sides. We discussed why our calls to action are crucial and shared examples of global Anglican initiatives—including group discussions with top business leaders on justice issues, dialogues with young indigenous leaders, convening youth to hear their perspectives, and fostering conversations among faith leaders.
Group photo with Angllican members at COP28
‘No climate justice, no peace; no youth, no future.’ As a youth representative, I am particularly concerned about the role young generations play in this vast system. I was deeply moved by the real stories of Kuna people (indigenous to Panama and Colombia), experiential visual artists from Kenya, natural explorers from the US, and many outstanding young activists. They showcased extraordinary efforts to promote the green movement. Yet international climate policy cannot be agreed upon overnight; representatives from different countries often spends hours deliberating a single word. Through direct dialogue with Ms Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, and senior officials from various organisations, I understood the complexities of climate justice, so youth should be more actively involved in policy-making.
Faith is our guiding force, giving us a sense of responsibility and moral compass, enabling us to build alliances and voice the concerns of those who are unheard and unseen.
Contemplation: We were made in God’s Image, Equality belongs to all genders
In the summer of 2024, I visited Jordan, a country with severe gender inequality. According to the World Economic Forum, Jordan ranked 131st in the global gender gap index in 2021. Women there can be arrested, detained, or forced home if reported by male guardians for being ‘absent’ from their marital residence. This oppression is unimaginable for those of us living in Hong Kong.
ACYN and the Anglican Alliance chose to hold a seminar on gender and leadership in Jordan, perhaps as a form of paradox. Participants included members of ACYN’s executive committee and youth from Jordan, with a deliberate balance of male and female attendees. We discussed how some distort biblical interpretations of gender, gender-based violence, gender education, and pornography etc. Through a ‘train-the-trainers’ approach, with deeper understanding and skills, we can conduct training in our own provinces, dioceses, and parishes.
The seminar focused on advocating for gender equality, but a more profound exploration revolved around the core question—‘My identity in Christ.’ We were given postcards with 33 verses from the Bible affirming our true identity in Christ. Each time we recited one, it felt like infusing courage and positive energy. Another thought-provoking aspect was studying some biblical passages that have been misinterpreted. I realised the importance of understanding context and cultural background when reading the Bible. Some cite the story of Eve being created from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-22) to argue that women are subordinate to men, but this story was never intended to demean women; rather, it emphasises the intimacy and complementarity between men and women. The rib is close to the heart, symbolising intimacy, love, and partnership, not a subordinate relationship. When we read the preceding text, ‘So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them’ (Genesis 1:27), we saw that both men and women bear the divine imprint, and regardless of race, background, ability, or status, everyone is unique and worthy of respect and care. In simple terms, this acknowledges the equal standing of men and women before God.
The seminar location was a collection of a church, hotel, kindergarten, women’s vocational boarding school, a car detailing training school, and even a carpentry workshop, spread over a hill equivalent to three Victoria Parks of Hong Kong. In addition to classroom activities, we visited holy sites, including the Jordan River and Mount Moses. Renewing our baptismal vows at the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptised, alongside a group of young people was an unforgettable experience.
Transformation: When Faith meets Action, an Ideal Community Project planned
In September 2024, I met with other ACYN executive committee members in the UK to participate in the Agents of Change course and discuss future directions with partners.
I believe many of us have organised or participated in community or church activities, sometimes encountering situations where our good intentions did not yield ideal results. The Agents of Change course exactly fills this gap. It is a community project management course centred on faith, crafted by the Anglican Alliance. Through Bible study, games, group discussions, and case analysis, it equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to organise development projects in their communities.
When we work alongside the poorest and most vulnerable, seeking to change the community, we ourselves are transformed, responding to God’s calling from a more holistic perspective. For instance, when planning a women’s employment seminar, why not spend a little more time understanding their actual needs (job-seeking skills, interview preparation), whether there are considerations for women from different backgrounds (single mothers, mid-life career changers), or if the seminar time is convenient for participants (considering family care needs), language or cultural differences, and how to help participants continue to progress after the seminar? We are not seeking change merely to meet our expectations, but genuinely to uplift others, which means we need to set aside our preconceptions and biases, truly listen to the community’s voices and understand their needs and challenges. Our work is not a one-way ‘helping’ gesture but a companion for mutual growth. Such a process not only changes their lives but also transforms our mindset, making us more humble, empathetic, and closer to God’s intent, loving others as ourselves, practising justice and mercy.
You might wonder how we travel the world with so many financial resources. Thus, the role of partners (or ‘funders’) is crucial. We meet with them to discuss directions for the coming year and how to use their resources wisely. Beyond economic assistance, what matters more is their networks, connections, and advice. These resources can help us access more collaboration opportunities and potential supporters, and allow us to respond more effectively to community needs. For example, with their expertise, we can design projects that better fit the actual situation. However, at the same time, we must not deviate from our original intention merely to satisfy partners’ expectations. Instead, we must find common goals in collaboration so that the use of resources can fulfil their visions while truly benefiting the community.
I Am an Anglican Youth
Through my identity as an Anglican youth, I have participated in various international activities and discussions that have broadened my horizons. I am deeply moved by the passion and resilience of Anglican youth from around the world, who, despite facing war, hunger, poverty, oppressive regimes, and gender violence in their countries, seize every opportunity to raise their voices. Do we in Hong Kong fulfil our duties as Anglicans? Do we speak out for marginalised communities and combat injustice? I hope to see more young people in Hong Kong engage in the work of the Anglican Church, serving in their own congregations while looking at the world.
Reflecting on the past three years, I am filled with God’s grace and blessings. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the trivialities of work and life, God always reminds me: ‘You are to go further, speak for those who suffer, and protect this beautiful home.’ With the courage and faith granted by the Lord, I am willing to bring a glimmer of light to others.
Interview video