Hopeless in Hong Kong

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TRANSCRIPT

Freedom of religion is in jeopardy in Hong Kong, as communists move to increase their control of the territory.

The communist government in Beijing is proposing a new so-called security law for Hong Kong, which has long been an autonomous democratic region.

Cardinal Joseph Zen fears the new measure might put an end to religious freedom, since communist officials in mainland China persecute Christianity, deeming it a foreign influence.

The retired Hong Kong cardinal told Catholic News Agency on May 27, "We have nothing good to hope for. Hong Kong is simply completely under [China's] control. We depend on China even for our food and water. But we put ourselves in the hands of God."

There is also growing concern the next bishop of Hong Kong could be a communist sympathizer.

Massive protests began in Hong Kong last year over an extradition bill that would have sent criminal suspects to mainland China for prosecution.

The bill was eventually shot down, but pro-democracy protests continued — calling for reforms, such as investigations into police brutality.

In mainland China, persecution of Christians has ramped up in recent years.

Churches have been stripped of their crosses and statues, and some even demolished.

One of the factors worsening the persecution is the secretive 2018 agreement between Beijing and the Vatican that allows communist officials to pick Catholic bishops.

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