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‘See Passion’ Warning bells for Church in Hong Kong Archbishop says Beijing plans to outlaw Church in Hong Kong
H
ong Kong's Archbishop Joseph Zen has told Vatican Radio that a constitutional change towards the former British colony's full incorporation into the Beijing government would make Hong Kong's Catholic Church illegal. The archbishop said that Chinese leaders, in discussing the new constitutional arrangement, often "say sensible things, and do something quite different." He reported that most of the people of Hong Kong are optimistic about the results of their integration in to the society of mainland China, but remain cautious. However, Archbishop Zen noted that while China has opened its society to commerce and tourism, the Communist government still maintains tight controls
on religious activities. He observed that "not many people realise the true situation regarding the politics of religion which has not fundamentally changed in recent years. It is still very negative, very restrictive."
The archbishop said that Chinese leaders, in discussing the new constitutional arrangement, often “say sensible things, and do something quite different." The archbishop predicted that the Beijing government would not tolerate the current situation, in which the Archdiocese of Hong Kong is clearly subject to the Pope, "because they want to control everything." The Communist government insists that the "official" Catholic Church of China must be subject to government control,
Photo: CNS
Mel Gibson directing a scene from The Passion.
Cardinal urges the public to see Mel Gibson’s film The Passion.
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Photo: CNS/Reuters
Archbishop Zen and does its best to suppress the underground Church loyal to the Holy See. -Catholic World News
Best feet forward for Catholic Ed
Loreto Nedlands students perform for their audience last week in a celebration of Catholic Education that saw hundreds of students from Catholic schools put their best forward. SEE PAGE 16 Photo: Phil Bayne/CEO Media
fter seeing an unfinished version of the film, which will be released next year, Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, gave his opinion on the film, in an interview published on September 18 in Turin’s newspaper La Stampa. Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Jewish community in Rome added: “We are optimistic” after reading the cardinal’s statements. “The Catholic Church assumed in this connection a very clear position in 1964, canceling from the whole Jewish people the accusation of having killed God,” Riccardo Pacifici, said. “This has meant that relations between Jews and Christians are clearly better.” Cardinal Hoyos said “As I watched this yet unfinished version of the film, I experienced moments of profound spiritual intimacy with Jesus Christ. It is a film that leads the viewer into prayer and reflection, into heartfelt contemplation. In fact, as I told Mr Gibson after the screening, I would gladly trade some of the homilies that I have given about the passion of Christ for even a few of the scenes of his film.” Asked if he had any reservations in recommending the film Cardinal Hoyos said “I would like all our Catholic priests throughout the world to see this film. I hope all Christians will be able to see it, and all people everywhere.” He did not agree that the movie would provoke anger and hatred because of its portrayal of graphic violence. “In my opinion, one of the great achievements of this film is to have shown so effectively both the horror of sin and selfishness, and the redeeming power of love,” he said. He added: “Seeing this film elicits love and compassion. It makes the viewer want to love more, to forgive, to be good and strong no matter what, just as Christ did even in the face of such terrible suffering.” Continued Page 3
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