As Easter dawns upon us, a time of reflection and renewal, our hearts are burdened with the plight of the courageous souls who have been unjustly silenced in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong. In this posting, we offer a prayer, a heartfelt plea to our Father in heaven, for the liberation of those who have sacrificed their freedom in the struggle for justice. With special remembrance for Jimmy Lai, Benny Tai, Joshua Wong, and Hang Tung Chow, we recall our shared experiences and moments of camaraderie, seeking solace and divine intervention in the face of oppression and tyranny.
I first crossed paths with Jimmy Lai in 1991, a year after he launched Next Magazine, a pioneering venture in Hong Kong’s media landscape. Our chance encounter also blossomed into a friendship, grounded in our shared commitment to truth and justice, and our passion for media. Over steaming cups of Chinese tea and morning dim sum at the venerable Luk Yu Tea House, we discussed the pressing issues facing our beloved city, dreaming of a future where freedom of speech and expression reign supreme. Jimmy’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity have always been a source of inspiration to me, and I am forever grateful for his unwavering dedication to the cause of democracy. I am also thankful to Jimmy for introducing me to his twin sister, who at that time lived in Canada, which further deepened our bond of friendship.
Benny Tai, a senior at my alma mater, the Diocesan Boys’ School (DBS), entered my life as a mentor and guide during my formative years. Bonded by our shared experiences at the Goodban House, we forged a deep connection rooted in our shared values and aspirations. During the tumultuous days of the Occupy Central/Umbrella Movement in 2014, Benny and I stood shoulder to shoulder, united in our quest for genuine democracy and universal suffrage. Despite the risks and challenges we faced, Benny’s steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance inspired us all.
In 2012, I had the privilege of meeting Joshua Wong, a young activist whose courage and determination belied his tender age. Fighting against the insidious indoctrination of “love the motherland brainwash education,” Joshua emerged as a leading voice in the struggle for freedom and autonomy in Hong Kong. Our different forms of communication and meetings at my office in Central or the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) were marked by spirited discussions and shared hopes for a better future. Joshua’s unwavering commitment to the cause of democracy continues to inspire countless individuals around the world, myself included.
And then there is Hang Tung Chow, a Cambridge-trained scientist, and a barrister, but also a tireless advocate for justice and human rights, whose path crossed mine during the tumultuous years of 2020 and 2021. As the leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance faced arrest and persecution, Hang Tung’s unwavering resolve and determination served as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Her tireless efforts to organize the annual candlelight vigil at Victoria Park embody the spirit of resilience and defiance that defines Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
Yet, even as we offer our prayers for these courageous individuals, we cannot ignore the harsh reality of their plight. The enactment of the National Security Law and the introduction of Basic Law Article 23 have ushered in a new era of repression and censorship in Hong Kong. Personal safety is at risk, and the rights to legal representation and trial by jury have been stripped away, leaving individuals vulnerable to arbitrary detention and persecution.
The so-called “public consultation” on Article 23, which purportedly showed 98.6% support for the draconian legislation, is a mockery of democracy in the truest sense. With dissenting voices silenced and opposition suppressed, the legitimacy of such a process is called into question. The totalitarian regime’s stranglehold on power has led to widespread human rights abuses and a climate of fear and uncertainty.
As we approach Easter, let us not forget the sacrifice that Jesus made for mankind, his ultimate act of love and redemption. Let us lift our voices in prayer for Jimmy Lai, Benny Tai, Joshua Wong, Hang Tung Chow, and the hundreds of political prisoners languishing in Hong Kong’s jails. Let us pray for the clergy and faithful of Hong Kong, who face persecution and surveillance for their beliefs.
In the face of despair, let us hold fast to the hope that divine intervention is possible. Let us pray for miracles, that our Father in heaven will soften the hearts of the “ruling class” in Hong Kong and the decision-makers in Beijing. Let us pray for justice and freedom to prevail in Hong Kong once more, that the spirit of Easter may bring renewal and restoration to our beloved city.
For the diaspora community of Hongkongers, scattered across the globe, let us pray for strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Let us stand united in our quest for freedom and democracy, knowing that our voices, united in prayer, have the power to effect change. May God’s grace and mercy shine upon Hong Kong, guiding us toward a brighter future where justice and liberty reign supreme. In the powerful name of Jesus, which is above all names.
Amen.
