2002-10-4 South China Morning Post

Article 23 frightening, says bishop

The new head of Hong Kong's Catholic Church, Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, yesterday hit back at Beijing's top official in the territory as he expressed fears about the proposed anti-subversion laws.

Bishop Zen, an outspoken critic of Beijing and the SAR government on human rights, said he had read the consultation document on Article 23 and was a bit frightened by it.

He told Cable TV news he was worried that if the underground church on the mainland was found to be dangerous to the country, the Hong Kong Diocese may also be in trouble because we are from the same church.

He also feared the law would damage freedom of speech and warned: If it materialises, there will be a lot of trouble.

But the Security Bureau insisted last night that religious freedoms would be protected under Article 23 legislation.

Bishop Zen has in the past criticised the lack of religious freedom on the mainland. He said the SAR government should ease those fears by explaining the proposals clearly. He said he hoped he could soon meet Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa to discuss various social issues, including the Article 23 legislation.

The cleric - who succeeded Cardinal John Baptist Wu Cheng-chung, who died of bone marrow cancer last week - also responded to remarks made by Beijing Liaison Office director Gao Siren.

Mr Gao, commenting on the Church during the National Day reception on Tuesday, said one should follow Cardinal Wu's example as a pragmatic and forthright man. He also warned against any interference in mainland religious affairs.

In an obvious retort, Bishop Zen said Mr Gao should also follow the low-profile style of the office's former head, Jiang Enzhu.

Mr Gao's comments referred to what I have said. I have repeatedly said I will learn more from Cardinal Wu. Mr Gao should also learn from his senior. Jiang Enzhu used to be very low-profile. I hope we will have more direct communication.

In an interview with the Sunday Morning Post just before Cardinal Wu's death, Bishop Zen attacked Hong Kong's toadying and leaderless political culture and criticised Mr Tung for refusing to meet him and other human rights campaigners.

Bishop Zen has been branded a Vatican agent by the mainland's Religious Affairs Bureau, which refuses to recognise the Holy See in Rome. He has been banned from visiting China since 1998.