Fugitive Law Tearing HK Apart: Catholic Church

The Catholic Church has, for the first time, waded in on the government’s controversial plan to amend extradition laws, saying the proposal is “threatening the local community and tearing it apart”.

In a letter issued to the Catholic community, the interim head of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese, Cardinal John Tong, called on the faithful to pray for the SAR and its people this weekend so that the government can find a solution to truly safeguard people's well-being while upholding justice and integrity.

Cardinal Tong also appealed to Catholics to pray so that government officials will have a sense of humility to listen to different views and defend the safety and freedom of Hong Kong people.

He added that Christians should carry out their duties as advocates of justice and peace and keep to a minimum the harmful effects of the amended Fugitives Offenders Ordinance in case it is passed.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who's been pushing for the passing of the proposed amendments, is a devout Catholic. She claimed she was answering God's call when she decided to run for the city's top job in 2017.