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The former bishop of Hong Kong has, for the first time, joined a rally outside Beijing’s liaison office in the former British colony to protest against restrictions on religious freedom in mainland China.Cardinal Joseph Zen-Ze-kiun celebrated an evening Mass for the communion of the Church in China yesterday, the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, before joining local Catholics on their march.“Some people said again recently that I am forcing people [mainland Catholics] to pursue martyrdom as it is easier for me to say than do in Hong Kong. This is ridiculous. How to force it? It is God’s grace that we should desire,” Cardinal Zen said in his homily.The Mass, organized by the justice and peace commission, was attended by about 100 Catholics.
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CARDINAL PROTESTS FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
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Former bishop of Hong Kong joins rally for first time to slam China clergy abuse.
The former bishop of Hong Kong has, for the first time, joined a rally outside Beijing’s liaison office in the former British colony to protest against restrictions on religious freedom in mainland China.
Cardinal Joseph Zen-Ze-kiun celebrated an evening Mass for the communion of the Church in China yesterday, the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, before joining local Catholics on their march.
“Some people said again recently that I am forcing people [mainland Catholics] to pursue martyrdom as it is easier for me to say than do in Hong Kong. This is ridiculous. How to force it? It is God’s grace that we should desire,” Cardinal Zen said in his homily.
The Mass, organized by the justice and peace commission, was attended by about 100 Catholics.
Commission executive secretary Lina Chan Lai-na said it was Cardinal Zen’s suggestion to protest outside the liaison office because he said he has evidence that some clergy are persecuted in mainland China.
The outspoken prelate “thinks we should speak out in support of them,” she said.
Cardinal Zen, 79, held a large wooden cross during the march while others carried banners as well as the names and photos of detained priests.
Outside the liaison office a statement was read calling on the Chinese government to respect religious freedom; stop “inhumane” treatment of clergy; release detained church people; end illicit episcopal ordinations; and account for priests and bishops who have gone missing.
The demonstrators also protested against the illicit ordination in Leshan and the prevention of the ordination of the Vatican-approved bishop-elect in Handan yesterday.
The different outcomes of the two ordinations on an important Church feast day were “a provocative act,” said Chan.
The protesters later tied yellow ribbons on the gate of the liaison office with the names of missing bishops and priests.
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http://www.ucanews.com/2011/06/30/cardinal-protests-for-religious-freedom/
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