7 Good Friday religious marches held across Hong Kong but most members told to keep faces visible
- Organisers required to ensure compliance with Beijing-imposed national security law
- At one procession that stuck to church grounds, some participants wore masks, with one Christian saying rules impinge on right to practise religion
Hundreds of worshippers joined seven religious marches on Good Friday in Hong Kong after organisers received approval by authorities who imposed restrictions placed on most recent public processions, which some said should be scrapped.
Residents taking part in six marches held to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ were told they could not wear masks, while all church organisers were required to ensure compliance with the Beijing-imposed national security law.
The only procession where the no-mask rule was not enforced was organised by St Philip’s Church in northern Tin Shui Wai, but Reverend Cindy Kwok Che-chin still reminded worshippers that face coverings should only be worn by those feeling unwell.
At least two plain-clothes police officers were monitoring the procession, with one checking reporters’ press cards and recording their names.
About half of the roughly 100 participants wore masks, as they trailed Kwok and another member of the church who carried a cross on his shoulder. They made 14 stops as they circled the church grounds, reciting scripture and singing hymns.
Among the participants was retired civil servant Henry Lai, 69, who was not wearing a mask as he recited passages from the Bible in front of the assembly at the first stop.
“Our event only takes place on the premises rather than marching onto the streets, so there are not many restrictions on it,” said Lai, who became a Christian three years ago. “It is great that we can finally resume this important tradition after the pandemic.”
