{"id":1262,"date":"2019-08-30T11:19:38","date_gmt":"2019-08-30T16:19:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thelight.com\/?p=1262"},"modified":"2019-09-02T13:00:31","modified_gmt":"2019-09-02T18:00:31","slug":"christian-hong-kong-protesters-turn-out-in-thousands-sing-famous-hymn-in-defiance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/thelight.com\/index.php\/2019\/08\/30\/christian-hong-kong-protesters-turn-out-in-thousands-sing-famous-hymn-in-defiance\/","title":{"rendered":"Christian Hong Kong Protesters Turn out in Thousands, Sing Famous Hymn in Defiance"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

We must keep praying for our brothers and sisters in Hong Kong and in Mainland China.\u00a0 May democracy rule and Jesus reign!<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"As pro-democracy demonstrators continue to mount a mass resistance against China\u2019s communist rule in Hong Kong, the region\u2019s Christian community has started to rise up.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

RELATED CONTENT: New Study Shows Christians Are Most Persecuted Faith in the World <\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Amongst the throes of tear gas, rubber bullets and riot shields, a sweet melody of worship can be heard echoing through the city\u2019s central district. Gathering in peace and prayer, thousands of Christian protestors can often be heard belting out the 1974 hymn, Sing Hallelujah to the Lord<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

Not only is this a show of devotion to Jesus in the midst of tumult and political tyranny, but the singing of this worship song also offers the community a level of immunity, thanks to a Hong Kong law of public assembly that makes exceptions for religious gatherings.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Treatment of a Christian pastor in Hong Kong. pic.twitter.com\/QQRHf8lVgP<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Steve Yates (\u8449\u671b\u8f1d) (@YatesDCIA) August 26, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

In these volatile days of Chinese agents, facial recognition and mass arrests, this protection is a welcome comfort for the Christian community, who not only stand in unity with their fellow protesters but also solidarity with the much-persecuted Christian community back in mainland China.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

I\u2019m in Hong Kong at a rally of Christians singing against the extradition bill. More to come about Christian fearing Chinese takeover for @firstthingsmag<\/a>! pic.twitter.com\/1PDo8TBHVH<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Alessandra (@alessabocchi) August 23, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Last Friday, thousands upon thousands of believers gathered in Chater Garden for the first political rally organized by the Christian community. According to\u00a0Religion News Service<\/a>, the central motto of the gathering was \u201cSalt and light, for justice we walk together.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n