Hong Kong's religious leaders call for reconciliation after political conflicts
Need for 'bruised' city to recover from political disputes is at forefront of Christmas messages
The shadow of the Occupy Central protests loomed large as religious leaders in the city called for reconciliation in their traditional Christmas messages.
Cardinal John Tong Hon, the head of Hong Kong's Catholic church, said that the city had been "an accommodating society" which accepted different opinions, voices and ways of expression. However, conflicts and disagreements have been spotted in families, schools, offices and among friends.
He added: "Recently, due to various social issues, our Hong Kong, our home, has been torn apart to a certain extent … all those issues have to be resolved, one way or another."
He said Christians were obliged to create a better Hong Kong for the future, and he hoped people would work to build a "free and democratic" city.
The Archbishop of the Hong Kong Anglican Church, the Most Reverend Paul Kwong, also began his seasonal message with the recent political issues. "These conflicts … have left Hong Kong brutally bruised and battered … terribly torn and tattered," he said. The city was "deeply wounded and traumatised" with damage extending beyond the economy, people's livelihood and the rule of law, he said.
Kwong urged people to restore broken relationships and re-establish mutual trust and understanding between individuals and between the government and the public.