A Historic Easter Celebration

On Easter Sunday 1997, I found myself in a momentous Baptist church in Hong Kong, a time and place echoing with both tradition and uncertainty. At the time, Kowloon City Baptist Church was one of the largest Protestant congregations in the region, brimming with over 10,000 members. Just months later, Hong Kong was set to transition from 156 years of British rule to a 'special administrative region' under China, sparking concerns over the future of religious freedom.

The Shadow of Change

My journalistic instincts led me to this vibrant congregation. There were genuine fears that independent churches like Kowloon City Baptist could face significant challenges under the impending regime. Despite promises from China that the freedoms enjoyed would remain intact, many were skeptical. Churches on the mainland typically operate under the watchful eye of the 'Three-Self Patriotic Movement,' controlled by the Communist Party, while underground churches face severe risks.

Hope Amidst Worry

As I sat in the balcony listening to familiar hymns sung in Cantonese, I sensed an unspoken wariness among the congregation. The church's senior pastor, Rev. James Cheung, voiced both hope and caution regarding the future: "What is stated in the Basic Law is one thing. Whether or not it is going to be carried out is another thing." He acknowledged that, while most churches might shy away from political critique, individual members could still find the courage to stand against injustice.

An Ominous Prophecy

Nearly three decades have passed since that Easter, and the fears of those days have tragically come to fruition. Observers like Lo Man Wai, editor of the Christian Times, have reported a drastic deterioration of freedoms in Hong Kong, particularly after the 2019 pro-democracy protests and the 2020 implementation of national security laws. Many activists and journalists have been silenced or forced into exile, creating a chilling effect on free expression.

Press Freedom in Peril

Once hailed as a bastion of press freedom, Hong Kong has witnessed unprecedented setbacks, with media outlets like the pro-democracy Apple Daily being forcibly shut down. Its owner, Jimmy Lai, remains imprisoned, deprived even of basic sacramental rites. A previously criticized statement from the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong vanished overnight as authorities tightened their grip.

Young Voices Rising

Yet, amid this turmoil, there is a spark of resistance among the youth. Reports highlight young mentors and leaders from churches, such as Tung Fook Church, resigning in protest when asked to soften their political objections. The Christian community, which numbers approximately 1.1 million in Hong Kong, is slowly growing, even as many churchgoers apply their faith amid the complexities of life under straitened circumstances.

A Hopeful Resurrection?

On this Easter Sunday—like many around the world—there will be newcomers in the pews, often dubbed 'C-M-E Christians' for their attendance on Christmas, Mother's Day, and Easter. Considering the challenges facing Hong Kong, it's worth hoping that many will seek the comfort, healing, and perhaps a form of resurrection in faith.