What Is the Catholic Response to the Deteriorating Religious Freedom in Hong Kong?

Brief Overview

• A recent report, “Hostile Takeover: The CCP and Hong Kong’s Religious Communities,” highlights the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) increasing control over religious practices in Hong Kong.
• Historically, Hong Kong enjoyed significant religious freedom, but recent actions by the CCP threaten this fundamental right.
• The report details the targeting of Christian groups, particularly Catholics, through initiatives like the “sinicization of religion,” which seeks to align faith with Communist ideology.
• The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong has been involved in promoting sinicization, raising concerns about its advocacy for persecuted believers in mainland China.
• The 2020 National Security Law has intensified restrictions, leading to arrests of religious figures, including Protestant pastor Gary Pang Moon-yuen.
• The report calls for international action, including legislative support from democracies and scrutiny of Vatican-China agreements, to protect religious freedom in Hong Kong.

Detailed Response

Background of Religious Freedom in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has long been recognized as a region where religious freedom was respected, largely due to its status as a Special Administrative Region under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework established by the Sino-British Joint Declaration. This arrangement, intended to guarantee a high degree of autonomy for 50 years following the 1997 handover, explicitly protected freedom of conscience and religious belief, as outlined in the Hong Kong Basic Law. The Bill of Rights Ordinance further incorporates protections from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ensuring the right to manifest religious belief through worship, observance, practice, and teaching. Historically, this legal framework allowed diverse religious communities, including Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, Taoists, Muslims, and others, to practice their faith openly. The Catholic Church, with approximately 404,000 local adherents and 217,000 expatriates, has maintained a significant presence, operating schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations. However, recent developments under the Chinese Communist Party’s influence have raised alarms about the erosion of these freedoms. Reports indicate that the CCP’s tightening grip is undermining the promises made in the Basic Law. The Catholic Church, rooted in its mission to uphold human dignity and religious liberty [CCC 1738], faces a complex challenge in navigating this shifting landscape. The Church’s teachings emphasize the right to religious freedom as a fundamental human right, derived from the dignity of the person created in God’s image [CCC 1700]. The situation in Hong Kong thus demands a careful examination of how Catholic principles can address this growing crisis. The faithful in Hong Kong look to the Church for guidance in preserving their ability to practice their faith without coercion.

The CCP’s Initiatives to Control Religion

The Chinese Communist Party has implemented several initiatives to exert control over religious practices in Hong Kong, as detailed in the report “Hostile Takeover: The CCP and Hong Kong’s Religious Communities.” One prominent strategy is the “sinicization of religion,” which seeks to align religious beliefs and practices with CCP ideology and Chinese cultural norms as defined by the state. This policy requires religious groups to incorporate socialist values and loyalty to the CCP into their teachings, effectively subordinating faith to state control. The 2021 Mainland Chinese Bluebook, referenced in the report, accuses Christian groups, particularly Catholics, of encouraging “violent protests” and colluding with foreign organizations, framing them as threats to national security. Such accusations provide a pretext for increased surveillance and restrictions on religious activities. The CCP’s measures include requiring the display of the Chinese national flag in faith-based schools alongside sacred symbols, signaling a conflation of state and religious authority. Additionally, religious curricula have been altered to include patriotic and socialist values, which conflicts with the Church’s autonomy in educating the faithful [CCC 2229]. The Catholic Church teaches that the state must respect the autonomy of religious communities to govern themselves according to their beliefs [CCC 2244]. The CCP’s actions, however, challenge this principle by pressuring religious leaders to align with state ideology. This erosion of religious autonomy raises serious concerns for Catholics seeking to live out their faith authentically. The Church must respond by reaffirming its commitment to religious liberty while navigating the political realities of Hong Kong’s changing environment.

Targeting of Christian Communities

The report highlights the CCP’s specific focus on Christian communities, with Catholics facing particular scrutiny due to their perceived political involvement. The 2021 Bluebook notes that Hong Kong’s Catholics are seen as more politically active than other Christian groups, making them a target for CCP efforts to suppress dissent. This targeting manifests in various forms, including harassment, legal prosecution, and restrictions on religious activities. For example, the report cites the case of Protestant pastor Gary Pang Moon-yuen, who was sentenced to 13 months in prison in 2022 for sedition under the National Security Law, allegedly for interrupting a trial related to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Similarly, Catholic figures like Cardinal Joseph Zen have faced defamation and harassment for their outspoken criticism of the CCP. The Catholic Church teaches that Christians are called to bear witness to the truth, even in the face of persecution [John 15:20]. The targeting of religious leaders undermines the Church’s ability to fulfill this mission. The CCP’s actions also include physical attacks and vandalism against groups like Falun Gong, which, while not Catholic, indicate a broader pattern of religious suppression. The Church’s response must balance prudence with courage, advocating for the rights of all religious communities while protecting its own members. This situation calls for a renewed commitment to the Gospel’s call to stand firm in faith [Matthew 10:22].

The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong’s Role

The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong’s involvement in promoting the sinicization of religion has raised significant concerns among observers. The report notes that the diocese has held at least three seminars on sinicization since 2021, engaging with state-controlled religious bodies in mainland China. Additionally, the diocese has mandated visits to Beijing for priests, seminarians, and women religious, which notably exclude discussions about the persecuted “underground” Church in mainland China. This omission suggests a troubling shift in priorities, as the diocese appears to align with CCP directives rather than advocating for persecuted Catholics. The Catholic Church’s mission includes defending the rights of the faithful to practice their religion freely [CCC 1807]. By participating in sinicization efforts, the diocese risks compromising this mission, particularly when it suppresses information about religious persecution, as seen in the removal of a 2021 interview with Father Vincent Woo discussing CCP oppression. The Church teaches that bishops and clergy have a duty to proclaim the Gospel and defend the faith, even under pressure [1 Peter 3:15]. The diocese’s actions have led to accusations of self-censorship, with the Justice and Peace Commission renaming itself and diluting its focus on human rights advocacy. This situation challenges the Church to remain faithful to its prophetic role while operating in a restrictive environment. Catholics in Hong Kong look to their leaders for clarity and moral courage in addressing these tensions.

Impact of the National Security Law

The enactment of the National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 has significantly intensified restrictions on religious freedom in Hong Kong. The NSL grants broad powers to the Chinese and Hong Kong governments to suppress activities deemed as secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with foreign powers. This law has been used to target religious figures and organizations perceived as threats to CCP authority. The arrest of Pastor Gary Pang Moon-yuen under the NSL exemplifies how religious leaders can be silenced for actions that would otherwise be considered expressions of free speech or religious conviction. The law’s vague definitions allow authorities to interpret religious activities, such as preaching or public worship, as violations of national security. The Catholic Church teaches that laws must serve the common good and respect human dignity [CCC 1907]. The NSL, however, appears to prioritize state control over individual rights, contradicting Catholic social teaching. Reports also indicate that the NSL has been used to ban Falun Gong street kiosks and block access to religious websites, such as that of the Taiwan Presbyterian Church. This climate of fear has led some religious leaders, like Lo Hing-choi of the Baptist Convention, to emigrate, citing concerns about government retaliation. The Church must respond by advocating for the repeal or reform of laws that unjustly restrict religious freedom while supporting those affected by persecution.

The Vatican-China Agreement and Its Implications

The provisional agreement between the Vatican and China, first signed in 2018 and renewed in 2020 and 2022, has significant implications for religious freedom in Hong Kong. The agreement addresses the appointment of bishops, aiming to unify the state-sanctioned and underground Catholic communities in mainland China. However, the report warns against extending this agreement to Hong Kong, as it could further erode the autonomy of the local Church. The CCP’s unilateral appointment of Bishop Joseph Shen Bin to the Shanghai Diocese in 2023, without Vatican consultation, violated the agreement and raised concerns about its efficacy. The Catholic Church teaches that the appointment of bishops is a matter of ecclesiastical authority, rooted in apostolic succession [CCC 1594]. The Vatican’s negotiations with the CCP reflect a pragmatic approach to maintaining a Catholic presence in China, but critics argue it compromises the Church’s independence. Hong Kong clerics fear being pressured to join state-controlled associations, such as the Catholic Patriotic Association, which requires oaths of fidelity to the government. The Church must carefully discern how to uphold its mission while engaging with a government that restricts religious freedom. The report’s call to reconsider the Vatican-China agreement aligns with the Church’s duty to protect its autonomy [CCC 2245]. Catholics in Hong Kong and globally await clarity on how the Vatican will address these challenges.

Catholic Social Teaching on Religious Freedom

Catholic social teaching provides a robust framework for addressing the deterioration of religious freedom in Hong Kong. The Church teaches that religious freedom is a fundamental right, rooted in the dignity of the human person and the freedom to seek truth [CCC 1738]. This right includes the ability to worship, practice, and teach one’s faith without coercion. The Second Vatican Council’s document Dignitatis Humanae emphasizes that the state must protect religious freedom and refrain from imposing ideological conformity. The CCP’s sinicization efforts, which demand loyalty to socialist values, directly contradict this principle. The Church also teaches that religious communities have the right to govern themselves according to their beliefs, free from state interference [CCC 2244]. In Hong Kong, the imposition of patriotic curricula and the suppression of religious voices violate these teachings. The Church’s response must involve both defending the rights of its members and advocating for the common good of all religious communities. Catholics are called to bear witness to the truth, even in difficult circumstances [Matthew 5:10]. This teaching provides a moral foundation for resisting unjust restrictions while promoting dialogue and justice.

The Role of the Universal Church

The universal Catholic Church has a responsibility to support its members in Hong Kong facing religious persecution. The Church’s mission includes solidarity with those suffering for their faith, as expressed in the call to care for the persecuted [Hebrews 13:3]. The Vatican can play a critical role by advocating for the release of religious prisoners, such as Catholic layman Jimmy Lai, whose donation to Cardinal Joseph Zen was cited in his NSL trial. The report recommends that the Vatican establish an advisory board on China affairs to better understand and address the situation. The Church’s global network of bishops, religious orders, and lay organizations can amplify the voices of Hong Kong’s Catholics through prayer, advocacy, and public statements. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, for example, could support the report’s call for hearings on CCP violations of religious freedom. The Church teaches that solidarity is a form of charity that binds the faithful together [CCC 1939]. By raising awareness and pressuring governments to act, the universal Church can help protect religious freedom in Hong Kong. Local parishes worldwide can also engage through prayer campaigns and educational efforts. The Church’s response must reflect its commitment to justice and the Gospel.

Challenges for Catholic Education in Hong Kong

Catholic education in Hong Kong faces significant challenges due to CCP initiatives to integrate patriotic and socialist values into school curricula. The report notes that Ethics and Religious Studies textbooks now include prayers praising Chinese identity, which aligns with CCP ideology rather than Catholic teaching. Faith-based schools are required to display the Chinese national flag alongside sacred symbols, creating a tension between religious and state authority. The Church teaches that parents have the primary right to educate their children in accordance with their beliefs [CCC 2229]. However, the increasing presence of pro-Beijing teachers and partnerships with mainland schools undermines this right. The report also highlights the incorporation of national security education, which prioritizes state loyalty over religious values. This shift risks diluting the Catholic identity of schools, which are meant to form students in faith and virtue [CCC 1657]. The diocese must work to preserve the integrity of Catholic education while complying with government mandates. This challenge requires creative solutions, such as developing curricula that subtly reinforce Catholic values. The Church’s commitment to education as a means of evangelization must guide its response to these pressures.

Persecution and Martyrdom in the Catholic Tradition

The persecution of Catholics in Hong Kong resonates with the Church’s long history of martyrdom and suffering for the faith. The Catholic tradition honors those who endure persecution for righteousness’ sake, as taught in Matthew 5:10-12. Figures like Cardinal Joseph Zen, who faced defamation for his criticism of the CCP, embody this witness. The Church teaches that persecution is an opportunity to share in Christ’s suffering and to proclaim the Gospel with courage [CCC 2473]. The arrest of figures like Jimmy Lai and Pastor Gary Pang Moon-yuen reflects the cost of fidelity to one’s beliefs in a restrictive environment. The Church must support these individuals through prayer, advocacy, and material assistance, as it has done historically for martyrs and confessors. The report’s documentation of harassment against Falun Gong practitioners and other religious groups underscores the need for a unified response to persecution. Catholics are called to stand in solidarity with all who suffer for their beliefs, recognizing the universal call to defend human dignity [CCC 1700]. The Church’s history of enduring persecution offers hope and resilience to Hong Kong’s faithful. This tradition can inspire Catholics to remain steadfast in their witness.

The Call for International Action

The report urges the United States and other democracies to take decisive action to protect religious freedom in Hong Kong. It recommends supporting the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act and the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which aim to hold officials accountable for violating human rights. These laws require periodic reviews of Hong Kong’s autonomy and sanctions against those who undermine it. The Catholic Church supports efforts to promote justice and the common good through international cooperation [CCC 1911]. The report also calls for hearings on CCP violations of religious freedom, which could raise global awareness and pressure China to reform its policies. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom could include Hong Kong’s religious prisoners in its victim list, amplifying their plight. The Church can contribute by urging Catholic lawmakers and organizations to advocate for these measures. The report’s emphasis on discouraging the Vatican from extending the China agreement to Hong Kong aligns with the Church’s commitment to autonomy [CCC 2245]. Catholics globally can support these efforts through prayer and advocacy, as the Church teaches the importance of working for justice [James 2:17]. International solidarity is essential to counter the CCP’s encroachments on religious liberty.

The Vatican’s Responsibility

The Vatican bears a significant responsibility in addressing the religious freedom crisis in Hong Kong. The 2018 Vatican-China agreement, intended to unify the Church in mainland China, has been criticized for conceding too much control to the CCP. The report’s recommendation to repeal or revise this agreement reflects concerns that it undermines the Church’s independence. The Vatican’s decision to approve Bishop Joseph Shen Bin’s appointment after the CCP’s unilateral action suggests a willingness to compromise, but it also highlights the need for stronger dialogue. The Church teaches that bishops must be appointed in accordance with apostolic tradition, free from external coercion [CCC 1594]. The Vatican could establish an advisory board on China affairs, as suggested by the report, to develop more effective policies. Hong Kong’s Catholics fear being forced to join state-controlled associations, which would require oaths of loyalty to the CCP. The Vatican must advocate for the release of religious prisoners, such as Jimmy Lai, and speak out against the erosion of religious freedom. The Church’s diplomatic efforts should prioritize the protection of its members’ rights [Dignitatis Humanae]. The Vatican’s response will shape the Church’s ability to operate freely in Hong Kong.

The Role of the Laity in Hong Kong

The Catholic laity in Hong Kong plays a crucial role in responding to the deterioration of religious freedom. Lay Catholics are called to live out their faith in the public square, bearing witness to the Gospel through their actions [Lumen Gentium 31]. The arrest of Catholic layman Jimmy Lai, whose donation to Cardinal Joseph Zen was used against him in an NSL trial, underscores the risks faced by active laypeople. The Church teaches that the laity have a right and duty to contribute to the Church’s mission [CCC 900]. In Hong Kong, this includes advocating for religious freedom, supporting persecuted believers, and preserving Catholic institutions like schools and charities. Lay organizations, such as the Justice and Peace Commission, can play a vital role, though the report notes its diminished focus on human rights. The laity can also engage in prayer and fasting, as the Church encourages spiritual solidarity with those suffering [Colossians 1:24]. By organizing peacefully and raising awareness, lay Catholics can resist CCP pressures while remaining faithful to their calling. The Church must empower the laity to take an active role in defending religious liberty. Their witness is essential to the Church’s resilience in Hong Kong.

Solidarity with Other Religious Communities

The Catholic Church in Hong Kong must also stand in solidarity with other religious communities facing persecution, such as Falun Gong practitioners and Muslims. The report documents harassment and physical attacks against Falun Gong members, as well as efforts to downplay human rights violations against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. The Church teaches that all people have the right to religious freedom, regardless of their faith [CCC 2106]. This principle calls for collaboration with other religious groups to advocate for shared rights and protections. The CCP’s efforts to establish a mainland-style oversight body for all religions in Hong Kong threaten the autonomy of every faith community. The Church can lead by example, promoting interreligious dialogue and joint advocacy for religious liberty. The Second Vatican Council’s Nostra Aetate encourages respect for other religions, recognizing their contributions to human dignity. By working together, religious communities can amplify their voices and resist CCP control more effectively. The Church’s commitment to the common good [CCC 1906] requires it to defend the rights of all believers in Hong Kong. This solidarity strengthens the broader fight for religious freedom.

The Moral Imperative to Act

The deterioration of religious freedom in Hong Kong presents a moral imperative for the Catholic Church to act decisively. The Church teaches that Christians are called to defend justice and human rights, especially when they are threatened [Gaudium et Spes 26]. The CCP’s actions, including the sinicization of religion and the use of the NSL to suppress dissent, violate the dignity of the human person. The Church must respond by proclaiming the truth of the Gospel and advocating for the oppressed [Isaiah 1:17]. This includes supporting legislative efforts, such as the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, and urging the Vatican to reconsider its agreement with China. The Church’s prophetic role requires it to speak out against injustice, even at the risk of persecution [CCC 1808]. Catholics in Hong Kong and globally can contribute through prayer, advocacy, and support for persecuted believers. The report’s call for international action aligns with the Church’s mission to promote peace and justice. The situation in Hong Kong is a test of the Church’s commitment to its teachings. Action must be rooted in faith, courage, and solidarity.

Practical Steps for Catholics

Catholics in Hong Kong and worldwide can take practical steps to address the religious freedom crisis. Locally, Catholics can support their parishes by participating in prayer vigils and advocacy campaigns for religious prisoners like Jimmy Lai. The Church encourages the faithful to engage in acts of charity and justice [CCC 2447]. Globally, Catholics can raise awareness by sharing the report’s findings and urging their governments to act. Writing to elected officials to support bills like the Hong Kong Autonomy Act is a concrete action. Parishes can organize educational events to inform others about the situation, fostering solidarity [1 Corinthians 12:26]. The Church’s social teaching calls for active participation in public life to promote the common good [CCC 1913]. Catholics can also support organizations like the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, which produced the report. Prayer and fasting for those suffering persecution remain powerful spiritual tools. These steps reflect the Church’s call to be a light to the world [Matthew 5:14].

The Hope of the Gospel

Despite the challenges in Hong Kong, the Catholic Church offers a message of hope rooted in the Gospel. The Church teaches that Christ’s victory over sin and death assures believers of God’s ultimate triumph [John 16:33]. Persecution, while painful, is an opportunity to share in Christ’s suffering and to grow in faith [CCC 2473]. The witness of Catholics like Cardinal Joseph Zen and Jimmy Lai demonstrates the power of steadfast faith in the face of adversity. The Church’s history is filled with examples of believers who endured persecution while remaining faithful, from the early martyrs to modern confessors. This hope encourages Hong Kong’s Catholics to persevere in their mission to proclaim the Gospel. The Church’s global community can support them through prayer, advocacy, and solidarity, reinforcing the unity of the Body of Christ [1 Corinthians 12:27]. The report’s call to action is a reminder that the Church’s mission transcends political boundaries. The Gospel’s promise of hope sustains Catholics as they navigate these challenges. This hope must guide the Church’s response to the crisis in Hong Kong.

Conclusion: A Call to Faith and Action

The deteriorating religious freedom in Hong Kong demands a robust response from the Catholic Church, grounded in its teachings and mission. The CCP’s initiatives, including sinicization and the National Security Law, threaten the fundamental right to practice faith freely. The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong’s alignment with some CCP directives raises concerns about its advocacy for persecuted believers. The Vatican’s agreement with China requires careful scrutiny to ensure the Church’s autonomy is preserved. Catholic social teaching provides a clear framework for defending religious liberty and human dignity [CCC 1738]. The universal Church, the laity, and global Catholics all have roles to play in supporting Hong Kong’s faithful. Solidarity with other religious communities strengthens the fight for freedom. Practical steps, from advocacy to prayer, can make a tangible difference. The Gospel’s message of hope sustains Catholics in this challenging time [Romans 15:13]. The Church must act with courage and faith to uphold religious freedom in Hong Kong and beyond.