The next leader of the Catholic community in Hong Kong, Bishop John Tong, said yesterday he will not sacrifice his principles in exchange for good relations but will strive to strengthen ties with mainland churches.He was speaking at a celebration service following his appointment as coadjutor bishop by Pope Benedict two weeks ago.
Tong, who will replace Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun when he retires, hopes for renewed dialogue between the pope and China.
Diplomatic ties between the Vatican and Beijing were severed in 1951, but last June the pope sent a letter to the Chinese church in an unprecedented move to restore contact, although Tong said the Holy See was still awaiting a response.
"The pope has made himself very clear and has been honest in the letter. Now it depends on how China is responding. The ball is on their side," Tong said.
The primary task of the new coadjutor bishop will be to promote dialogue with mainland churches.
"We have been trying to use the slight power that we have to do this. Now that the pope has issued a letter we have to try even more," Tong said.
On January 30 the pope released a statement saying he had great expectations the Chinese government would guarantee full religious freedom for mainland Catholics and this would enhance the country's status.
Zen, 76, has repeatedly asked the pope to allow him to retire, saying he is a year past the official retirement age.
Tong said the Vatican's refusal to accept Zen's retirement showed it had respect for the cardinal and believed he was healthy and capable of continuing.
Responding to media questions about whether he would take part in protests like Zen did during last month's march for universal suffrage, Tong said he will act according to the rules of the diocese and that there are different ways to express opinions.
"We still need to safeguard justice. We will say it is right when it is right, wrong when it is wrong. We cannot give up our principles in exchange for good relations," he said.
Tong, 68, said he would act as a "bridge" to mainland Catholics while the cardinal would remain the church's spokesman on social affairs.
The cardinal has long been a vocal champion of social justice and democracy, leading to accusations he is overly confrontational with Beijing.
In the pope's letter to China last year, he insisted on his right to appoint bishops, although he said he hoped an agreement could be reached with the government on nominations.
The Foreign Ministry in Beijing responded by calling on the Vatican to severe ties with Taiwan and not interfere in Beijing's internal affairs in the name of religion.
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