Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Hong Kong is experiencing a difficult yet remarkable year in 2019 due to the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement. “Liberate Hong Kong: Revolution of our Times” is its key slogan, and the main theme underlying the five demands of the demonstrators. It shows that the movement has grown from a simple demonstration against a bill to a full resistance of political domination. The anthem, “Glory to Hong Kong” symbolises a spirituality of resistance that transforms anger and doubts to faith and hope of liberation, and the movement testifies that the people will make a way by themselves when there is no way. This paper argues that this spirituality of resistance is essential not only to the fight for political freedom, but also to the struggle against ecological degradation. By employing liberation theology as a tool of analysis, it illustrates that the practice of political resistance against an authoritative and dominating regime leads to the contemplation of the depth of reality which calls for our solidarity with the oppressed. Amid climate change and destruction of ecosystems, this underlying spirituality of the movement to liberate Hong Kong also constitutes a foundation for planetary liberation. In the light of Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas, the demonstrators in Hong Kong can be seen collectively as a priest who brings the wounded planet to the face of the ultimate mystery. This serves as a spiritual ground for ecological actions that commit to both human and planetary well-being.