HONG KONG (SE): A prayer service was organised by the Justice and Peace Commission for democracy, freedom and human rights in Hong Kong prior to the peaceful, hundreds of thousands-strong rally organised by the Civil Human Rights Front on International Human Rights Day, on December 8.
The gathering was held outside the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay.
Leading the prayers was retired bishop of Hong Kong, Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, who urged people not to bear any hatred against anyone amid the social unrest in the city. Cardinal Zen said he is sure that Hong Kong is a city that God cares about and loves. He prayed that the peace and joy would come due to God’s blessing, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the efforts of the rally participants.
The people gathered prayed for those who were injured or who died during the anti-extradition bill movement, for the development of democracy in Hong Kong, for the ability of the new district councillors-elect to carry out their duties with justice and support for young people.
Following the benediction, many participants then joined the rally organised by the front, which called on the government to comply with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and act on the demands of the Hong Kong people.
The organiser estimated that around 800,000 people took part in the march from nearby Victoria Park to Chater Road in Central, while the police said the turnout peaked at 183,000.
In response to allegations made against the police made by protesters during the rally, the government issued a statement that night saying that the police are responsible for maintaining public safety and order. It also condemned the vandalism and arson at the entrances of the High Court and Court of Final Appeal that day.
