[Anglican Communion News Service] The next Primates’ Meeting in October will be my fifth one as primate of Hong Kong. Each of the previous ones was unique. Some had designated themes and concerns. The last one was different. The concerns and challenges of respective provinces were submitted beforehand. The meetings are likened to a family gathering where the siblings are gathered together to discuss family business with having Archbishop of Canterbury, like the elder brother to serve as convener and chair.  Even though, at times, there were heated arguments and debates over some issues, what underpinned them was a deep love and concern for the Communion, our Anglican family.

For me, the best part of these Meetings is the time spent together in worship, prayers, reflections and the washing of each other’s feet. It demonstrates that we are one in Christ, committed in walking together, being for each other and for the whole Communion.

Thus, I look forward to attending the next meeting. As in 2016, primates have been asked to submit their provinces’ concerns and challenges to the meeting and we will prioritize and set the agenda together. And I look forward to praying and worshiping together with my fellow primates. In particular, I am excited to meet the new ones. I am equally excited to renew and strengthen my friendship with the existing ones too. There is a saying in the West, “Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, the other is gold.”

I look forward to meeting both the “silver” and the “gold” Primates in October.

Archbishop Paul Kwong is the primate of Hong Kong and chair of the Anglican Consultative Council.