New Law Won't Impact Church Freedoms: Cardinal Tong

The head of Hong Kong's Catholic Church, Cardinal John Tong, said he believes the national security laws to be imposed in Hong Kong would not impact religious freedom in the city or the right of the church to speak out on social issues.

Speaking to the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong's weekly newspaper Kung Kao Po, Tong said it's understandable for Hong Kong to legislate on national security and urged Beijing and the SAR governments to address people's worries during the process.

He said the Basic Law allows freedom of religion as well as the rights for churches to comment on social issues and thinks enactment of the national security law will not curtail that.

"I personally believe that the National Security Law will have no effect on religious freedom, because Article 32 of the Basic Law guarantees that we have freedom of religion, and we can also openly preach and hold religious ceremonies, and participate in religious activities," he said.

Tong said he believes the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong wouldn't be considered as one of those who colludes with foreign forces due to its links to the Vatican.

"I think the Hong Kong Catholic Church has always had a direct relationship with the Vatican; the relationship between the Hong Kong diocese and the Vatican should be regarded as an internal matter."

"After the national security legislation, it should not be regarded as 'collusion with foreign forces'," he said.