The plight of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and notable Hong Kong pro-democracy advocate, has captured the attention of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, prompting an appeal to Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The church is urging action to secure Lai’s release from a 20-year prison sentence.
Lai’s incarceration results from charges of conspiracy with foreign forces and the dissemination of seditious materials. A vocal critic of Hong Kong’s national security laws, Lai’s actions were purportedly in opposition to Beijing’s increasing influence over the region.
Lai’s spiritual journey is intertwined with his legal struggles. His family highlights his Catholic faith, which emerged during the turbulent 1997 transfer of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty.
His daughter remarked, “It was a year when many like him, accustomed to the freedoms Hong Kong offered, had their hearts filled with fear and doubts. So, my father turned to Christ. His doubts were conquered by God’s mercy and grace and turned into trust. Even now, there is nothing he wants more than to be a faithful servant to our Lord.”
Bishop James Curry, the lead bishop for religious freedom for the Catholic Church in England and Wales, has publicly advocated for Lai. According to Bishop Curry, “Jimmy Lai’s ‘crime’ was to voice concerns, engage in peaceful protest, and publish a newspaper which was critical of oppressive new laws. He was briefly bailed and then re-arrested and denied bail in December 2020.”
Lai is reportedly in solitary confinement with deteriorating health and no access to religious sacraments. Bishop Curry has not only called upon Burnham to act but also encouraged the public to pray for Lai’s well-being and release.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
