Overview
Hong Kong (HK) – special administrative region of China, located to the east of the Pearl River (Zhu Jiang) estuary on the south coast of China. The region is bordered by Guangdong province to the north and the South China Sea to the east, south, and west. It consists of HK Island, originally ceded by China to Great Britain in 1842, the southern part of the Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters (Ngong Shuen) Island (now joined to the mainland), ceded in 1860, and the New Territories, which include the mainland area lying largely to the north, together with 230 large and small offshore islands—all of which were leased from China for 99 years from 1898 to 1997. The Chinese-British joint declaration signed on 19th Dec 1984, paved the way for the entire territory to be returned to China, which occurred July 1, 1997.
Hong Kong since 1997 (as of 30/6/22) When the British handed HK to Beijing in 1997, it was promised 50 years of self-government and freedoms of assembly, speech and press that are not allowed on the Communist-ruled Chinese mainland.
As the city of 7.5 million people marks 25 years under Beijing’s rule on Friday (1/7/22), those promises are wearing thin. HK’s honeymoon period, when it carried on much as it always had, has passed, and its future remains uncertain, determined by forces beyond its control.
In recent years, Beijing has been expanding its influence and control. Those moves appeared to be hastened by mass pro-democracy protests in 2014 and 2019. Now, schools must provide lessons on patriotism and national security, and some new textbooks deny HK was ever a British colony.
Beginning in 2020, the authorities launched a crackdown on political dissent, arresting dozens of activists and imprisoning them for unauthorized assembly, despite provisions guaranteeing freedom for such gatherings under HK’s Basic Law, the city’s constitution. The authorities cracked down and moved to stamp out dissent to help restore stability after the month-long 2019 protests.
“But this is a brittle stability based on the imposition of the law and the arrest of pan-democratic leaders and jailing them, chasing them out,” he (John Burns) said, and many in HK still support the pro-democracy movement even if they are silent for now.
“We’re in a kind of hellish place. HK is not part of the system and therefore it can’t bargain that way, (but at the same time) we are not free. We are in this hybrid middle ground,” Burns added. “The party has never had to rule a place like HK, so it’s learning to as it goes.”
Religion
The territory has an area of 422 square miles on more than 200 islands and the mainland, and a population of 7.5 million. Approximately 43 percent of the population practices some form of religion. The two most prevalent religions are Buddhism and Taoism, which are often observed together in the same temple. The region is home to approximately 700,000 Buddhists and Taoists, 320,000 Protestant Christians, 243,000 Roman Catholics, 90,000 Muslims, 40,000 Hindus, 8,000 Sikhs, 4,600 Jehovah’s Witnesses, and 4,000 practicing Jews.
There are 1,400 Protestant congregations, representing 50 denominations. The largest evangelical denomination is the Baptist Church (6.1% out of 12.4% ‘Christians’), followed by the Lutheran Church. Other major denominations include Seventh-day Adventists, Anglicans, Christian and Missionary Alliance groups, the Church of Christ in China, Methodists, Pentecostals, and the Salvation Army. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is also present
Persecution
The massive protests of 2019 seem a distant memory as Beijing’s grip on HK has relentlessly squeezed out all effective opposition to its control. HK’s Christians now must be equipped to survive and thrive under the shadow of the CCP. Divisions in the Church over the protests and associated politics need to be healed and believers need to be reconciled. Although the setbacks to HK’s freedoms can be discouraging, believers in China itself have demonstrated that the flame of the gospel cannot be snuffed out by even the most brutal oppression. May the Church in HK learn how to be a powerful witness amidst the profound changes it is experiencing.
Pray
- The changes to governance from 2020 onwards, the failure of the protests to achieve the liberties dreamed of by many young people, and the fast-track migration programmes of the ‘Anglosphere’-countries generate conditions for HK to experience yet another historic mass exodus. While the educated and wealthy will be able to thrive elsewhere, millions more are “stuck” in a context ever more under the CCP’s direct control. While the choice to migrate is understandable, Pray that many believers will stay to continue the work of the Kingdom and to be a witness to Jesus. There is much ministry to be done in and from HK!
- HK’s role within China could potentially be a powerfully redemptive one – financially, socially, culturally and spiritually. HK’s economic clout within China is proportionately much less than in the past. Any clamour for justice, reform, and liberty could possibly spill over into mainland China, or could prompt a brutal crackdown within HK. Pray that despite this volatile situation, HK-Christians must be peacemakers, intercessors, dutiful citizens but obedient first and foremost to Jesus. (Ac 5:29[i])
- The religious context of HK is unique, dominated by a melange of Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism and Chinese folk religion practiced by the majority. There are over 700 temples and monasteries, not to mention the countless shrines dedicated to various powers and for various purposes. Many other residents follow no religion. Most other faiths are present but largely practiced by immigrant populations. Pray that the resulting spiritual mosaic makes for the opportunity to openly share Jesus, but it also reflects very real spiritual powers opposed to Christ‘s lordship. (Eph 6:12[ii]).
- The Christian community has a disproportionately influential role in serving society. Although only 10% of the population, the Church runs the majority of schools and social organizations and 25% of hospitals. Many elderly, poor, foreigners and others in need of assistance are blessed by such efforts. So far, the potential threat of state interference or limitation has not materialized. Pray that the Church may continue to be salt and light in this way and to boldly continue this leavening, transforming role in society.
- Student and youth ministries are strong and growing. Cru[iii], HKFES[iv] (IFES[v]), the Navigators[vi] and others are very active, each with dozens of staff on most campuses. Newer and more radically oriented ministries exist, such that HK has one of the worlds most dynamic and creative youth ministry scenes; Campus Church Network[vii] and Breakthrough[viii] are two good examples of this. Many denominations also focus on youth ministry and training, and the 225% increase in young people attending church from 1999 to 2004 is an indicator that such approaches bear fruit. Pray for this to continue, to deepen and to be exported beyond the shores of HK.
- HK is a vital nerve centre for media. Through networks such as the Association of Christian Publishers, more than 30 Christian publishers and 70 Christian bookstores exist just among Protestants. Groups such as Christian Communications Ltd, AOI and many others facilitate writing, printing and distributing milPlions of Bibles, books, tracts and other printed matter. The Bible Society plays a key role as well. HK is a key location for studios preparing radio programmes (FEBC, FEBA, TWR, others). There are also half a dozen Christian media agencies broadcasting Christian TV, not to mention the many cutting-edge film, music and new media ministries in this very modern, tech-savvy and creative city. Pray for these skills and gifts to make an impact on HK, but also to be felt on a wider, even global, scale.
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