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steve
管理人員
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Posted -
2004/5/4 上午 11:48:42
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HONG KONG, May 4 (Reuters) - A Hong Kong-based Catholic bishop, who is a prominent critic of the Chinese government, has visited his native Shanghai at the invitation of mainland authorities, the South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday.
The bishop, Joseph Zen, had been barred from visiting the mainland since 1998 after he gave a speech in the Vatican attacking the lack of religious freedom in China.
"I appreciate the sincerity and friendliness they have shown and I hope this is the first step towards more communication. At least trust still exists between us," Zen was quoted as saying.
Beijing's change of heart has been seen by observers as a step in its efforts to appease critics after it dashed hopes for a quick move to full direct elections in Hong Kong last week.
He did not discuss politics, the Hong Kong newspaper said, but made clear he would continue to speak his mind.
"They said there were no conditions attached to the visit and I made it clear that I am not going to be silenced and will continue to speak out after I come back."
Zen has been a stern critic of the government in Beijing and the pro-Beijing government in Hong Kong.
He openly attacked Beijing last year over its plan to push through an anti-subversion law in Hong Kong and has irked authorities with repeated calls to his Hong Kong congregations to join anti-government protest marches. Chinese law promises to protects religious freedom, but the Communist government forbids all worship outside state-backed "patriotic" religious organisations and has conducted periodic crackdowns on Roman Catholics.
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