(Hong Kong) The religious community of Hong Kong celebrated the 7th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This conference took place at the BP International Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. Mainland officials attended the event in Hong Kong for the first time, urging the religious community to “tell China’s story well.” 

Love China, Love Hong Kong

The celebration was on September 10 with officials from China’s Religious Affairs Bureau praising the Hong Kong religious community for organizing the event. Officials expressed hope that religious leaders would understand the directives of the 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Following these statues would carry on the tradition of “love the country and love Hong Kong” and play an active role in culture, education, charity, and social services.

Tell China’s Story Well

Representatives of the Religious Affairs Bureau also encouraged the religious groups to guide their congregations in upholding the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. Churches and other groups must support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and advance the restoration of order so the city will thrive. They urged using religion to tell “China’s story well” to the international community.

Unity with the Communist Party

Rev. Lam Chun of the Hong Kong Christian Council pointed to Psalm 133. He emphasized that unity is the cornerstone of a nation’s prosperity and the source of strength to overcome difficulties. He stated that only through unity can great dreams be achieved, leading to a stronger country and a brighter future. He referenced 1 Corinthians 13 from the Bible, explaining that true unity and harmony are realized when thinking for the greater good.

Integrating communism with Christianity

Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, mentioned in his speech that the diocese is reflecting on how to build a better China through sinicization. Quoting John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” he emphasized the diocese’s commitment to integrating into China’s communist orthodoxy with the domestic church. Cardinal Chow also noted that Pope Francis has clearly stated, “A good Catholic is also a good citizen.”

Religion in Hong Kong

Chan Kwok Chiu, Vice-Chairperson of the Hong Kong Taoist Association and Chairperson of the event, highlighted the strong support from both the central and Hong Kong governments for the development of religion in the region. He emphasized the importance of instilling religious culture and beliefs in young people, fostering a correct understanding of the nation and high moral character. 

Attendees

The event was attended by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu, Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, and Yin Zonghua, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR. 

Leaders from other faiths, including the President of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, Confucian representatives such as Dr. Tong Yun-kai, President of the Confucian Academy, and Islamic representatives, also delivered speeches. After the speeches from the representatives of different faiths, all attendees joined together in singing the song “Ode to the Motherland.” 

The “Colloquium of Six Religious Leaders of Hong Kong” founded in 1978 by six religious groups — Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Confucianism, Catholicism, and Protestantism — aims to seek commonalities while reserving differences, mutual respect, living in harmony and cooperation, utilize religions as driving forces, while jointly serving Hong Kong society and government initiatives.

~Gao Zhensai, Special Correspondent of ChinaAid