A Barmen Declaration Adapted by Hong Kong Pastors
The Hong Kong 2020 Gospel Declaration calls for Christians to take a stand against an unnamed totalitarian regime
A network of Hong Kong pastors have published the “Hong Kong 2020 Gospel Declaration” on May 26, calling for signatures. Inspired by the “Barmen Declaration” against the totalitarian German Nazi regime, the declaration includes six points:
1. Jesus Christ is the Gospel.
2. Jesus Christ is the one and only Lord of the Church.
3. The Church is a community of witnesses who preach the Gospel.
4. The Church is the Pillar and Foundation of the Truth. We reject falsity, and hold on to the truth.
5. Spirituality and actions are inseparable.
6. The Church is the People of the Light in a time of darkness.
Each point is briefly supported with scriptural references in the full version, available in both English and Chinese. This was also reported on at Christian Times Hong Kong. The network which had drafted this declaration consists of over 100 pastors since it was formed in May last year, in response to the proposed 2019 Hong Kong extradition bill. Protests have been recurring since then have been designated as “rioting” and “terrorism” by governing authorities.
It was just last week that China's parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), tabled a new legislation that would ban "treason, secession, sedition and subversion." This controversial move has been widely reported on.
Updated May 27: A Cantonese video discussing the declaration has been added, the transcript is also available.