HONG KONG (SE): John Cardinal Tong Hon, the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Hong Kong, said he paid great heed to maintaining unity in the Church, noting that Jesus said: “there will be one flock, and one shepherd” (John 10:16 and also prayed to the Heavenly Father at the Last Supper that “they may be one” (John 17:11). Likewise, the cardinal told the Kung Kao Po (June 28), the nation hopes its people, regardless of their position in life can stand united.
Speaking about the matter of the national security law in Hong Kong, he noted that the move is understandable. “As local people come from different backgrounds, and hold different views and concerns, it is hoped that the central government and the local government can eliminate or minimise the public’s doubts regarding the legislative process of the national security law.”
Cardinal Tong, addressing the issue of religious freedom, said, “I personally believe that the law on national security will not negatively impact on religious freedom because Article 32 of the Basic Law guarantees the freedom of religious belief and freedom to preach, conduct and participate in religious activities in public.”
The cardinal added, “The participation of the Church in social affairs should not be affected as well,” addressing concerns about Church involvement in social issues possibly being undermined by the law. “Article 141 of the Basic Law stipulates that the local government shall not interfere in the internal affairs of religious organisations or restrict religious activities, and they may continue to run schools and social services” he pointed out.
In light of “collusion with foreign powers to interfere in Hong Kong affairs” being one of the main issues of draft law, the relationship between the Diocese of Hong Kong and the Holy See may be a concern for many people.
However, Cardinal Tong stressed, “The Catholic Church in Hong Kong maintains direct subordination with the Holy See. On the link between the Diocese of Hong Kong and the Holy See, it has to be viewed as an internal matter of the Catholic Church.”
The cardinal emphasised, “After the legislation on national security, it should not be regarded as ‘collusion with foreign forces.” In fact, there have been friendly exchanges between China and the Holy See, and our Church focuses on the spiritual dimension and the pastoral care of parishioners.”
