Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies

by N.T. Wright

For instance, consider those Christians in Hong Kong who have taken different paths on how to respond to the government’s repressive measures, as Kwok Pui-Lan describes: Christians organised prayer meetings in churches, public spaces, and in front of government buildings. Unlike public protests, religious meetings enjoy more protection from interference from the police, and the organisers do not have to apply for a permit to gather in public. Christians sang hymns and offered prayers for the city and for government officials and elected representatives. The Christian hymn ‘Sing Hallelujah to the Lord’ emerged as a unifying anthem during the early stage of the protests, sung by Christians and non-Christians alike. Some churches near the protest routes opened their doors and offered hospitality to protesters. But there were also Christians who believed in separation of Church and State, and that Christians should obey the authorities. Many evangelical churches did not want to become politically involved and see evangelism as their priority. These divergent opinions have split local churches and denominations, with some members leaving their local churches because of their dissatisfaction with their churches’ response to the protests.73