金牛盛世，紫荊綻開。際此辛丑開運，新年伊始，我香港六宗教領袖座談會暨宗教同仁，恭祝全港市民身心康泰，福與時增，百業復蘇，社會祥和。

近一年多來，新冠病毒，肆虐全球，香港福地，亦不能幸免。面對世紀疫症，我全港市民必須一心一德，比義親仁，風雨同舟，共克時艱。放眼世界，此時此刻，更須仁智並重，以宗教之大愛與慈悲，聯繫全球人類，無分彼此；以科學之智慧與耐心，研發有效藥物，救病拔苦。我們深信，以「立己立人，達己達人」之精神，放下成見，攜手建立「人類命運共同體」，坦誠相處，分享協作，必可熬過嚴冬，迎接春天。

當前疫病橫行，不但為身體之挑戰，更是心靈之考驗。就如社交上各種限制，本是保障衞生健康、維持生活秩序之措施，而非忿恨、排斥與歧視的藉口。面對此問題，自應積極發揮宗教之偉大力量。傳統思想「君子固窮」之理念，正正適用於全人類。在困難與逆境中，我們更須依靠信仰，恪守真道，遠離罪惡，奉行善業，既是榮耀神明，滋養性靈，亦使人常得清靜，心安自在。唯有在心靈健康之上，才能建立身體之健康。 　

欣逢歲首，我六宗教領袖謹再祝頌：疫症早日消退，生活重回常軌，國家富強進步，人民幸福，香港社會和諧，繁榮安定。

香港六宗教領袖座談會
孔教學院院長　　　　　　　湯恩佳博士
中華回教博愛社主席　　　　薩智生先生
香港基督教協進會主席　　　蘇成溢牧師
香港道教聯合會主席　　　　梁德華道長
香港佛教聯合會會長　　　　寬運法師
天主教香港教區宗座署理　　湯漢樞機　　聯啟

二零二一年二月八日

On the occasion of the beginning of the Year of the Ox (Year Xin Chou 辛丑, 2021) in the midst of prosperity and blossoming Bauhinia, the Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders of Hong Kong cordially wish for all Hong Kong people good health and happiness, revival of all trades and industries and also social harmony.

For more than a year, the Coronavirus disease has ravaged the world and though as a blessed land, Hong Kong is not spared. In face of the plague of the century, all Hong Kong people must work with one heart and one mind, uphold righteousness and benevolence, stand together through thick and thin, and jointly get over the critical situation. In view of the whole world, what we should do at the present moment is to attach importance to benevolence and wisdom and connect all mankind on earth with the great love and kindness of religion, making no distinction between one and another. We should also, with wisdom and patience of science, develop effective medicine to cure the disease and rescue the sick. If we can uphold the spirit of “establishing not merely oneself but also others; develop not merely oneself but also others”, if we can let go prejudices and work hand in hand together to establish “a community of shared future for mankind” and if we can be frank to one another and share fruits of collaboration, we firmly believe that we will survive the severe winter and welcome the arrival of spring.

For the time being, the epidemic is rampant. It is not only a challenge to our physical bodies but also a test to our souls. For instance, the various restrictions on our social life are measures to protect our health and maintain order for our daily life. They are no excuses for resentment, exclusion or discrimination. In view of the issue, we should proactively give full play to the great power of religion. The concept of the traditional philosophy of “A Gentleman stays virtuous even in adversities” is perfectly applicable to all mankind. In difficulties and adversities, we need to rely on our faith even more and abide by the true way, keep away from evils, and practice kindness. It will not only honour our deities, nourish our souls, bring us tranquility but also put our mind at ease. Only with a healthy soul can we attain a healthy body.

On the happy occasion of the start of the Chinese New Year, we, the Six Religious Leaders, once more extend our wishes: that the epidemic vanish soon and our daily life return to normal; that our country grow more prosperous and powerful and all people be happy; and that Hong Kong society enjoy social harmony, prosperity and stability.

The Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders of Hong Kong
Dr. Tong Yun Kai, President, The Confucian Academy
Mr. Sat Che Sang, Ibrahim, Chairman, The Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association
Rev. Dr. So Shing Yit, Eric, Chairperson, Hong Kong Christian Council
Mr. Leung Tak Wah, Chairman, The Hong Kong Taoist Association
The Most Ven. Kuan Yun, President, The Hong Kong Buddhist Association
John Cardinal Tong Hon, Apostolic Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong

8 February 2021