Hong Kong Christians must act to make a ‘constructive difference’ in society, former Archbishop of Canterbury says
Dr Rowan Williams also says he will continue to fight for gay rights, saying some of the best priests he had known were gay
Christian leaders and followers must speak up when appropriate and make a constructive difference in society, even if it means becoming unpopular with a political party, the government or the media, the former archbishop who led the 85 million-stong Anglican church has said.
Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 to 2012, was responding to questions on the role Christians should play in Hong Kong, where its residents and Christian churches have been deeply divided on issues such as democratic reforms and gay rights.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in Hong Kong, the 67-year-old also said he would continue to argue for the political and civil dignity of homosexuals, saying some of the best priests he had known were gay.
Williams is visiting Hong Kong as an adviser to the Lui Che Woo Prize, which honours promoters of “world civilisation”.
Top Hong Kong Christian leader urges tolerance and respect as city’s political divisions continue
In recent years, Hong Kong has been divided socially and politically, especially after the 79-day Occupy sit-ins in 2014. Some Christian clerics and activists, such as Joshua Wong Chi-fung, had participated in the Occupy protests, while others who opposed those actions were criticised by believers and non-believers alike.