The government accused the bishops of using "distorted words" that verge on "contempt of court".

The Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark and Bishop Alan McGuckian of Raphoe were among the signatories of the appeal launched on 1 November.

They said that Lai's support for democracy through public interventions and his since-closed newspaper, Apple Daily, was no cause for imprisonment.

Lai was arrested in 2020 under a draconian national security law and has been in prison for more than 1,000 days, with prosecutors now threatening a life sentence.

Read More

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said it was deeply concerned at the "gutting" of independent media and press freedom in Hong Kong, and called on governments worldwide to put pressure on the authorities to uphold freedom of speech in the city.

"The IFJ and its affiliates have watched the dramatic collapse of press freedom and independent media in Hong Kong over the past two years since Beijing imposed its so-called national security law," the group said, citing the closure of at least 12 independent news organizations including the Apple Daily newspaper since the national security law took effect on July 1, 2020.

Read More

Bishop Stephen Chow commented in the Sunday Examiner that these plants "are proofs of the amazing power of life that comes from the Creator. How can they grow up in such a tight and awkward environment?

"I can feel that Hong Kong, including our church, is becoming more like an existence within cracks," Chow said.

"We used to enjoy much space and freedom of expression when we could express our opinions in any way we like."

Hong Kong's new national security law came into effect in June 2020, imposing strict punishments for those accused of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign or external forces.

After the arrest of several high-profile pro-democracy activists including Cardinal Joseph Zen, Chow has urged the faithful to refrain from "reactive" instincts. Instead, followers should search for God amid the changing social landscape.

The Cardinal's arrest in May was connected to his work at the former entity, the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund. The fund used to provide financial assistance to pro-democracy campaigners to help cover their legal costs and medical bills.

Cardinal Zen was released on bail but his arrest sparked an international outcry from governments and human rights groups.

While some have opted to leave Hong Kong, others have stayed, Chow said, saying he made his own choice when he decided to accept his appointment as bishop of the territory.

"I want to share with you that the love and light of God can be found in all things, even cracks," he said, pointing to the image of flowers, trees, and shrubs that have grown up through cracks.

"They have demonstrated that nothing can prevent life from flourishing, adding colours, beauty and hope to our world," he said. "The tougher the condition, the more resilient life will be. Cracks can even widen in some cases."

Amid these circumstances, faith can be "an amazing engine that empowers our lives, individually and collectively, if we positively live out our faith," he said.

"However, if we only want to stick to the past, not ready to find God's guidance in the changing context, our lives will become bitter and sour. Darkness will take hold of us."

Chow insisted that accepting the changing reality and social situation "does not mean endorsing it" but rather finding a way forward by "learning to discern new possibilities with a creative mindset amid tensions from the changing context."

Sources

• Crux Now
• Christian Today