Hong Kong Christians Sing Hallelujah

Have you been following the protests and turmoil in Hong Kong in recent weeks? Hong Kong, once a British colony, was transitioned to Chinese authority in 1997 but has retained a degree of autonomy economically and supposedly in terms of democracy. Recently China arbitrarily introduced a new extradition law for Hong Kong residents to the mainland and the people have pushed back. There are roughly 7 million people living in Hong Kong and in one public protest march more than a million took to the streets of the city.



Prominent amongst the leaders of this resistance are Christian pastors and congregants who have encouraged a non-violent but vocal activism. According to a New York Times article one young protestor said:

“I am very certain that Jesus would not have stayed home enjoying the air-conditioning,” Ms. Wong said. “He would have been out here helping people and marching.”

Christians have been a visible part of the protests this month — among the largest in Hong Kong’s history — providing food and shelter at demonstrations and condemning efforts by the police to break them up.

Protesters have spoken of “loving thy neighbor” and winning a battle of “good versus evil.” Youth groups have held prayer circles to call for peace and redemption for the police. A hymn called “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” has become an unofficial anthem of the demonstrations, echoing from bridges and makeshift shelters.
 

Hong Kong’s Christians have long played an important role in the politics of the semiautonomous Chinese territory, on issues like religious freedom, democracy and human rights. And though Catholics and Protestants make up only about one in nine people in this city of 7.5 million, the influence of Christianity in the protests has been striking, providing a source of inspiration and solace.
 

“We believe in upholding justice,” said David Cheung, a pastor who has taken part in the protests. “Our faith gives us our courage, confidence and hope against this evil government power.”

 

I have written about the oppression of Christians and other religious groups in mainland China, so the threats are real. It is impressive that Christians have taken a leading role in standing up to "the powers that be" and it isn't hyperbole to describe the Chinese regime as evil. Canadians have seen how this government throws its weight around in disputes with other countries including ours. We can't imagine the extent of control for those who are dissidents. God knows how many have died, including people of faith.

 

Over the weekend the protests intensified and became destructive. This played into the hands of the regime and riot police became involved. Lets join in prayer with our sisters and brothers in Christ in Hong Kong so that there is no loss of life or liberty.

 

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