For the first time in the past 10 years, Hong Kong Adventist College (HKAC) hosted a Theological Symposium, from November 29 to December 1, 2017, with the theme “How Readest Thou?: Biblical Interpretation and Missions.” With the support of his leadership team, president Dan Cheung was successful in organizing the symposium. All pastors from the Hong Kong-Macau Conference attended the meeting. In addition, no fewer than 50 pastors from the Unorganized Territory joined the symposium as well.
Working together with the education department of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), the college invited Dr. Clinton Wahlen, associate director of the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference, to be the main speaker. Dr. Wahlen gave three presentations: Hermeneutics and Seventh-day Adventist Pioneers, Impact of Culture on Biblical Hermeneutics, and The Clarity of Scripture and Interpretation.
Other presenters include Dr. Ron Clouzet, NSD ministerial association director; Dr. Richard Sabuin, NSD education director; Dr. Onn Liang, seminary dean of Chinese Adventist Seminary (CAS); Dr. Robert Folkenberg, Jr., president of the Chinese Union Mission (CHUM); Dr. Daniel Jiao, CHUM executive secretary, and Dr. Daniel Chuah, CAS theology professor. They presented papers on biblical interpretation and its contribution to understanding and practicing mission for the growth of the church.
Most of the participants stayed on the HKAC campus during the symposium. This gave them opportunities to interact and share. HKAC plans to conduct another symposium next year, which will focus on Creation. Congratulations, HKAC!