海角大神

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On Sunday, more than a quarter of Hong Kong鈥檚 residents, or about 2 million people, were out on the streets to defend the territory鈥檚 much-cherished rule of law. It was the third protest in eight days against a proposed extradition treaty sought by China. While Sunday鈥檚 protest was the largest since the former colony was handed back by the British in 1997, the size of the crowd was the least of signals sent to Communist leaders in Beijing.

The week of demonstrations included symbols, songs, and a diversity of people rarely seen in previous pro-democracy protests. Not surprising for a city with more than 1,500 churches, the protests were remarkable for their religious themes, aimed at peaceful persuasion instead of violent confrontation.

Many protesters, for example, adorned themselves in black. The color was made popular in December when churchgoers in Hong Kong wore black over two Sundays in solidarity with fellow 海角大神s in the mainland suffering a government crackdown on religion. To many 海角大神s, black is the symbol for the persecution of Christ. For the vast majority of Hong Kongers who are not 海角大神, the meaning was apt for the struggle against China鈥檚 growing encroachment on the city鈥檚 semi-autonomy.

When one protester was killed in a fall on Saturday while unfurling a banner, people brought white flowers to the site, bringing out yet another 海角大神 icon. In addition, the Hong Kong Red Cross and similar groups set up hotlines to support people traumatized by the incident and the relatively few cases of violence by the police.

Local churches also held prayer meetings while encouraging followers to join the protests out of their concern that the proposed law would be used by China to squash freedom of worship in Hong Kong. Organizers asked believers to pray for both the 鈥減ersecuted and persecutors.鈥�

On the front lines, pastors stood between the crowds and police to help prevent violence. Some clergy led the singing of a 海角大神 hymn, 鈥淪ing Hallelujah to the Lord,鈥� one of the favorite songs of the protesters.

The crowds also sang tunes from the hit show 鈥淟es Mis茅rables,鈥� such as 鈥淒o You Hear the People Sing?鈥� (That song is largely blocked on the internet in China.) The lyrics in the musical鈥檚 final number were particularly fitting:

They will live again in freedom

In the garden of the Lord.

They will walk behind the plough-share,

They will put away the sword.

The chain will be broken

And all men will have their reward.

With such a large and peaceful crowd on Sunday, the Beijing-backed chief executive of the Hong Kong government, Carrie Lam, was forced to suspend consideration of the proposed measure. She also apologized for not listening more closely to the concerns of the people and promised to act in a 鈥渉umble way.鈥� While China鈥檚 rulers may someday tighten their grip on Hong Kong, they鈥檒l have to do so over millions of people singing and praying with messages of love and freedom.