(Photo: Office of the Speaker of the House)
In a compelling move, the Catholic Church in England and Wales has reached out to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging decisive action for the release of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and notable figure in Hong Kong’s business and pro-democracy circles.
Lai is currently serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted of conspiring with foreign entities and disseminating seditious materials. His criticism of Hong Kong’s national security laws led to charges of collusion with foreign forces, highlighting his opposition to Beijing’s increasing influence over the region.
During the tumultuous period around Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China, Lai embraced the Catholic faith. His daughter has shared insights into this spiritual journey, noting, “It was a year when many like him, accustomed to the freedoms Hong Kong offered, had their hearts filled with fear and doubts. So, my father turned to Christ. His doubts were conquered by God’s mercy and grace and turned into trust. Even now, there is nothing he wants more than to be a faithful servant to our Lord.”
Bishop James Curry, who leads religious freedom efforts for the Catholic Church in England and Wales, has taken a stand for Lai. In a public statement, he declared, “Jimmy Lai’s ‘crime’ was to voice concerns, engage in peaceful protest, and publish a newspaper which was critical of oppressive new laws. He was briefly bailed and then re-arrested and denied bail in December 2020.
“He is held in solitary confinement, and his health is deteriorating rapidly. It is reported that he has no access to the sacraments.”
Bishop Curry has not only called on Prime Minister Burnham to advocate for Lai’s release but has also encouraged the public to keep Lai in their prayers. For more about Lai’s faith journey, visit this link.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
