‘Silence is a voice’: Reverend Paul Kwong denies discouraging people from speaking up on politics
Archbishop responds to storm after his sermon cited Jesus staying silent in face of crucifixion
The archbishop of the Hong Kong Anglican Church has denied he was trying to discourage people from speaking up on political issues in a controversial sermon during which he pointed to the example of Jesus remaining silent in the face of crucifixion.
The Most Reverend Paul Kwong told a church newsletter that Jesus’s silence was, in fact, a “voice” – a “peaceful, tolerating, accepting voice of love”.
He said he was not trying to change people’s political viewpoints, but said protest methods “have to be legal”.
Kwong’s interview was his first response to fierce criticism of his sermon last week.
In the sermon, delivered on July 6 at St Paul’s Church, Kwong touched on politics and questioned why Hong Kong people “speak up so much” and said Jesus remained silent when faced with crucifixion.
He appeared to mock protesters who had complained about being denied water and access to toilets after they were arrested during a sit-in protest in Central that followed the July 1 pro-democracy march.