"Stop using baton, or we sing Hallelujah to the Lord,” read one of the placards among the sea of people marching yet again in Hong Kong last Sunday. Even in the midst of passion and outrage, Hong Kongers kept a sense of humour – and for many, a display of faith. “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” has become an anthem for the entire movement in Hong Kong, regardless of faith.
Four days earlier, as police fired rubber bullets, sprayed teargas and pepper spray, and beat unarmed protesters with batons, a large group of Christians stood peacefully at the centre of the demonstrations, singing the familiar chorus repeatedly, and praying. Catholic priests and Protestant pastors were evident among the protesters, the most prominent being Hong Kong’s famous retired Cardinal Joseph Zen who joined Sunday’s march.
