LCMS takes legal action in Hong Kong

Hong Kong skyline. (Public domain)

By Roy S. Askins

On Sept. 10, 2025, in Hong Kong, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) reluctantly filed suit against Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL). HKISAL was formed in 1974 to administer Hong Kong International School (HKIS) on the LCMS’ behalf and in conformity to an Operating Agreement, also signed at that time. This agreement was restated and reaffirmed in 2002 and 2013.

For almost 60 years, the LCMS has sought to bring its nearly two centuries of experience and dedication to Lutheran education to the people of Hong Kong. When the Hong Kong community approached the LCMS about starting a school for an American-style, Christian education, the LCMS gladly stepped up and answered the call by establishing HKIS. For many years, HKIS grew in both size and prestige, becoming one of the premier international schools of Asia.

The Statement of Claim (SOC) alleges, however, that HKISAL has lost its way and no longer administers HKIS in a way that upholds the LCMS’ commitments to the parents and students of Hong Kong. As a church body, the LCMS is concerned that the unnecessarily high fees and debentures charged by the school make it a school of the wealthy elite rather than a school for any and all. The SOC also alleges other breaches of the Operating Agreement, such as the refusal of HKISAL to appoint a head of school that is called and placed by the LCMS Board for International Mission.

Due to its concern for HKIS’ reputation, the LCMS has for years attempted to discreetly work with HKISAL to correct these issues, lest the school suffer undue harm. The intransigence of HKISAL, however, has forced the LCMS to take legal action. The LCMS is seeking to have HKISAL operate HKIS in accordance with the Operating Agreement, failing which the LCMS would seek to remove HKIS from the Repulse Bay Campus so that the LCMS can work with the Hong Kong Education Bureau to establish a new LCMS school on that land.

Christian Preus, chairman of the LCMS Board of Directors, stated today in Hong Kong: “As alleged in the SOC, HKISAL has been drifting further and further from operating HKIS as an LCMS school. Because of our deep commitment to provide the education we have promised, the LCMS has concluded that it is unfortunately necessary to file the SOC to resolve the disputes, while at the same time plan for a possible new school in Hong Kong.”

The founding of the new school, Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS), is subject to resolution of the litigation, the approval of the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB) and the eviction of HKIS from the relevant land. HKPS would seek to fulfill the LCMS’ commitments to the Hong Kong community for an American-style, Christian education. Also subject to approval of the EDB, HKPS would offer lower tuition and fees, not charge priority access debentures, and provide more opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. For more details about HKPS, visit hongkongpacificschool.com.

Posted Sept. 10, 2025