South China Morning Post: Bishop takes the helm and asks for God's help

Chow Chung-yan

10/21/2002

Outspoken bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun formally took the helm of Hong Kong's Catholic Church yesterday and told his followers that he would not "hide behind a wall of silence".

He also prayed to God to make him "behave" and grant him the wisdom of "when to speak and when to keep silent".

Bishop Zen, 70, was inaugurated as the head of Hong Kong's 350,000 Catholics in a ceremony attended by 1,000 people at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Caine Road, Mid-Levels, including 200 priests from Europe, Africa and Asia.
Bishop Zen, who is renowned for his vocal criticism of both the Beijing and Hong Kong governments, told followers that he would not hesitate to speak out when necessary.

"Sometimes we have to obey and sometimes we must criticise, and it is not easier to criticise than obey. Honesty does not always please," he said.

"A religious leader should be careful in deciding when to remain silent and be sure to say something useful when deciding to speak," he said.

"In this way he will avoid saying things that would be better not said or leaving unsaid things that ought to be said."

[..]

Bishop Zen's succession has raised concerns over the sometimes stormy relationship between the Church and the SAR government.

He has already clashed with the authorities on controversial issues such as the Falun Gong spiritual group, and right of abode.

Last month the bishop criticised the proposed anti-subversion law.