An emerging Chinese Christian community is hoping to grow into an inclusive and safe space for everyone, especially members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The 360 Community, based out of St. Alban's Anglican Church on St. Albans Road, was founded last year by Rev. Bill Mok after three years of planning.
He moved to B.C. in 2020 and decided to start a new ministry to welcome immigrants from Hong Kong when he heard about the exodus due to political uncertainties.
"Our vision is to have a community... that welcomes people from different backgrounds. It doesn't matter who you are. (It is especially for) people ignored or rejected by some other denominations of the church community," he told the Richmond News.
Mok recalls a conversation with a young woman back when he lived in Mississauga, Ont., where she talked about her struggles of finding a church that accepted her identity as a lesbian.
While getting to know the local community better in the process of setting up the ministry, he also found the Chinese Christian community tends to be more conservative.
"They don't want to collaborate with Anglican Canada because we welcome LGBTQ+ people," he explained.
Mok disagrees with this way of thinking.
"We (shouldn't be) the ones to reject or say yes or no. I don't think that's a Christian way to do things," he said, adding that it is a Canadian value to be inclusive and welcoming.
Since last year, 360 Community has offered a small but welcoming community to people from all walks of life. It holds services on Friday evenings and offers a variety of workshops on family life, mental health and communication skills.
Mok, who is a counsellor, found it especially important to raise awareness of mental health based on his personal experience.
Members of 360 Community also hold gatherings for major holidays such as Christmas and Lunar New Year, and take on volunteering work such as homeless outreach.
While the ministry currently only offers service in Cantonese, Mok is hoping to expand to English and Mandarin services in the future.
Although it is still a small community with few resources available, Mok says 360 Community can provide a more inclusive and intimate fellowship where people can build personal connections.
The name 360 Community represents Mok's vision to welcome everyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or cultural background. It also stands for a commitment to serve the people.
"It's not that we're not a church. But we're for the community, not for the church," he said.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
