In its desperate attempt to stamp out history and memory, last year the Chinese government removed two sculptures from Hong Kong. The first was called “The Goddess of Democracy” and the second, “Pillar of Shame” by Danish sculptor Jens Galschiot, depicting a pile of corpses into an obelisk.
This week, however, small replicas of the goddess statue appeared in unlikely places all over Hong Kong. Scores of policemen scurried about town trying to find them all. Just as the Chinese government crushed pro-democracy demonstrations at Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, so it continues to try to stamp out any sign of dissent today.
The young students who stand for democracy in Hong Kong today weren’t even born in 1989 but they realize its importance in their spiritual struggle against the repressive regime that rules China today. The struggle for freedom in any society is more than a political one; it is always a moral and spiritual one as well.
Prayer for the Day
On this day we want to share a hope for peace,
Although we know in much of the world there is no peace;
On this day we want to share a hope for freedom,
Although we know tyranny oppresses its seekers.
Be with seekers of freedom, O God, and give them hope
Those who often are persecuted and reviled in their own land
In the name of the One who calls us to freedom,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Everyone who took part must speak up about what they know happened. That’s our duty to the dead, the survivors and the children of the future.
- Jiang Lin, journalist
Hong Kong authorities haven’t just put Cardinal Zen, Margaret Ng, and others under arrest – they have put Hong Kong’s fundamental freedoms under arrest. Arresting a 90-year-old cardinal for his peaceful activities has to be a shocking new low for Hong Kong’s police, the latest example of the city’s human rights freefall in the past two years
- Maya Wang, senior researcher for Human Rights Watch
Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance;
For truth stumbles in the public square, and uprightness cannot enter.
Truth is lacking, and whoever turns from evil is despoiled.
Isaiah 59: 14-15