Hong Kong churches welcome Putonghua speakers with free Cantonese and fellowships
The number of local churches offering Mandarin worship and fellowships has spiked in the last 10 years, churches said
More than 600 young people eagerly practised saying “jóusàhn” and introducing themselves to their neighbours as the newly arrived students at City University of Hong Kong started their first session of Cantonese 101.
Unlike most language programmes in the city, the Cantonese class, taught by Christian volunteers from the university and local churches, is completely free.
A variety of free activities is also offered by local churches to welcome thousands of newcomers to the city each year: hiking trips, activities with host families and Mandarin language fellowships.
“Our fellowship welcomes all newcomers to Hong Kong,” said Stella Chu, assistant pastor at the Evangelical Free Church of China Yan Fook Church, one of Hong Kong’s largest Christian congregations based in Lai Chi Kok.
Yet Christian volunteers have denied criticism that free activities are offered to “lure” newcomers to church.
“We don’t invite students to fellowships or worship unless they are interested in learning about the religion and take the initiative to approach us,” Chu said. “We are willing to help new friends regardless of their religious affiliation.”