Cardinal Appeals for Calm in Hong Kong

Urges Authorities to Exercise Restraint in Face of Large Pro-Democracy Protests

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The cardinal bishop of Hong Kong has urgently called on authorities to put the personal safety of citizens first and to exercise restraint in the use of force. 

Cardinal John Tong issued the appeal Sept. 29 after tens of thousands of people turned out in protest against the government of Beijing which has refused to give Hong Kong a free vote for its next leader. 

He urged the authorities to listen to “voice of the younger generation and of citizens from all walks of life”, saying he also wished that “all those who are trying to voice out their grievances will be persistent in keeping calm.

“Where there is a will, there is a way,” he said.

At the weekend police used tear gas and pepper spray, but they have since been withdrawn and protesters remain calm. The demonstrations are likely to continue, however, ahead of Chinese National Day on 1 October.

Hong Kong has been a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China since Britain transferred sovereignty in 1997.

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Here below is the full text of the cardinal’s statement:

“An urgent appeal from the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong regarding “Occupy Central”

With reference to the regrettable events at Central, Admiralty and Wanchai over the past few
days, may I sincerely call upon the Hong Kong SAR Government to put the personal safety of
fellow citizens as her prime concern, exercising restraint in deployment of force with a view to
listening to the voice of the younger generation and of citizens from all walks of life. It is also
my sincere wish that all those who are trying to voice out their grievances will be persistent in
keeping calm. Where there is a will, there is a way.

As Christians, we believe that with God as its Creator, our world can always offer us hope.
Accordingly, I would like to ask all Christians to continue praying for the reconciliation of the
conflicting parties in Hong Kong, and for the peace and wellbeing of our Community.

Cardinal John Tong

September 29, 2014″

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