Ex-leader of Hong Kong Christian Council slams Beijing for reviving ‘autocracy’
In rare move, head of influential religious body laments gradual ‘devouring’ of two systems by one country principle
A former Hong Kong Christian leader has slammed Beijing for reviving “autocracy”, as he urged local churches serving a Protestant congregation of around 500,000 to be “united and courageous” amid the challenges.
In a rare move, Reverend Po Kam-cheong opened up about his personal political observations after his nine-year tenure as secretary general of the Hong Kong Christian Council expired on December 31.
The council is one of the most influential Christian bodies in Hong Kong. Its 21 members include large denominations and societies such as the Anglican, Methodist and Lutheran churches. It also has 10 seats on the 1,200-strong Election Committee that selects the city’s chief executive.
“In these nine years, the central government not only represented Hong Kong on foreign affairs,” Po wrote. “It deepened its involvement in the city’s politics, economy, and even mass media, education and laws.”