The new leader of the Hong Kong Catholic diocese said yesterday that, unlike his predecessor, he would not personally attend public protests including the coming commemoration of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
But Bishop John Tong Hon said he shared the principles and goals of just-retired Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun - such as the introduction of universal suffrage and vindication for those killed on June 4, 1989 - and would 'definitely speak up' on key issues of social justice.
'I will not personally join protests as I have not done so in the past,' Bishop Tong said at his first press conference after taking office. 'Given our limited time and energy, clergy should not be captivated by political ideologies and parties.'
Cardinal Zen joined the annual July 1 march in support of democracy for the second time last year, and since 2003 has conducted prayers before the annual June 4 vigil.
'Human rights are given by God ... In principle I support fully universal suffrage. The earlier it is implemented, the better,' Bishop Tong said. 'Life is also very precious; all life should be protected,' he said, referring to the Tiananmen crackdown.
Despite the marked difference between Bishop Tong, who is considered a cautious person, and the outspoken Cardinal Zen, the new church leader said he would not shy away from pointing out injustices.
'I encourage all our Catholics to learn the social teachings of the church, to speak up on issues of justice, and to participate in politics because life today cannot be separated from society,' he said.
