Faithful Look To Bring Peace, Hope Through Hymns

Dozens of people continued to turn up at a footbridge near the Legco complex on Friday, to sing hymns and register their voices of protest against the government's extradition bill plans.

Many participants seemed to be joining the assembly spontaneously, and showing up with placards that said they hoped Hong Kong people will not be in danger anymore.

Some people stood in silence waving flyers, accusing the police of using excessive violence and also urging the government to withdraw the extradition bill.

A final year university student, who didn't disclose her identity, said she was joining the singers group for the first time though others had been there for three days.

She said they want to bring a peaceful atmosphere into the area, which witnessed violent clashes between police and protesters on Wednesday.

The student felt fear was still hanging over the place. "We think if we bring the presence of God, which is peace and hope, the spiritual atmosphere will change," she said.

The student also said the police were very helpful on Friday by letting them continue their work on the bridge.

While the devotees were trying to provide a touch of hope through their hymns, a senior church leader struck a different tone, calling on the government to withdraw the contentious bill.

The Catholic Church's Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha told RTHK that it's painful to see police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at the demonstrators.

He also said he was worried that if the controversy continues, the situation could be even worse than 1967 when pro-China groups rioted against the colonial government.

Bishop Ha said he doesn't see any reason why the government should push the bill through Legco now, saying the voices from opponents are loud and clear. He added that postponing the bill is the least officials could do.

Ha said he will pray for Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who is also a Catholic, hoping she will be humble and listen to the people.

Lam has said that changing the fugitive law would serve justice, so that a Hong Kong murder suspect could be handed over to Taiwan to stand trial there. But Bishop Ha said it's unnecessary to have so many people affected ... just to deal with one particular case.