As in mainland China, religious freedom is in retreat in the territory
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskThough it was not unexpected, Cardinal Zen’s detention shocked the city, whose autonomy, even for the first 20 years of Chinese rule, meant people enjoyed much more religious freedom than is allowed on the mainland. Catholics and Protestants have played a big role in pro-democracy movements, especially in 2019. But since the security law was passed in 2020, many have retreated from political activity.
Christians in Hong Kong are still free to worship publicly. But sermons on social justice are now rare and many priests have purged their social-media accounts. Some tell of strangers photographing those attending their services. Dissent has been “completely silenced”, says one cleric. “The arrest of Cardinal Zen is a concrete sign that the process of cracking down on religious freedom has begun.”
Easten Law of Princeton Theological Seminary says the deal has helped the party in its aim to “sinicise” Catholicism, by discouraging confrontation and persuading Catholics that they can support both party and pope. It has also emboldened some underground Catholics on the mainland to worship more publicly. Still, it has been widely criticised. It gives an avowedly atheist political party an explicit say in the internal workings of a Christian church.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bobby Brown reveals Catholic priest tried to molest him at age 10The 53-year-old Grammy winner was sent to a religious facility by social services after witnessing his mother Carole being beaten and arrested by police
Read more »
Is this mural Banksy’s latest work?Mural similar to artist’s work appears on side of Poundland ahead of Platinum Jubilee
Read more »
List of sexual misconduct allegations made against MPsA Conservative MP arrested on suspicion of rape has been released on bail
Read more »
Woman, 21, found stabbed to death in west London namedAnia Jedrkowiak: Woman, 21, found stabbed to death in ‘truly shocking attack’ named
Read more »
Ealing stab murder: Ania Jedrkowiak named as victimThe Polish national was found in an alleyway in South Ealing, shortly after midnight on Tuesday and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Read more »