A church for seafarers has been consecrated in Hong Kong.
St Peter’s Seafarers’ Church in Tsim Sha Tsui in the heart of the busy Kowloon region continues the tradition of an original St Peter’s Church which opened in 1967 and which was a place of worship and care for seafarers for decades. It closed in 2018 for redevelopment and the new church is based in a new building for mariners.
The Sailors Home and The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) in Hong Kong celebrated its consecration with a service led by the Archbishop and Primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, Most Rev Andrew Chan, which was attended by more than 300 guests.
The occasion also saw the licensing of Rev Catherine Graham as the Chaplain of Saint Peter’s Seafarers’ Church, marking a new chapter in the MtS’ long tradition of offering a sacred place for reflection, and the care of seafarers from across the world.
Rev Canon Stephen Miller, Regional Director for East Asia and Senior Chaplain in Hong Kong said:
“This special occasion not only celebrates the opening of a new sacred space but also honours a long tradition of care and service to the maritime community.
“As we dedicate this church to the glory of God and the well-being of all who pass through Hong Kong’s busy port, we give thanks for the generations of seafarers, chaplains, volunteers, and supporters whose faith and commitment have helped this mission from its earliest days to the present moment.”
The Mission to Seafarers provides practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers in over 200 ports worldwide. Through a global network of chaplains, staff, and volunteers, the charity cares for those who spend long months away from family, offering welfare, advocacy, and pastoral support to seafarers of all faiths and none.