Hong Kong's religious leaders: "society is deteriorating, our values can help"
Marking the beginning of the New Lunar Year, religious leaders come together to sign a common message of greetings to the population. "The virtues of Chinese culture are the building blocks of harmonious families, we offer our help to better moral standards".
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) The "erosion" of social values, youth violence "resulting from the lack of character formation" and gambling an "ever increasing wound", are the main problems faced by the religious leaders of Hong Kong in their New Year's message.
The document signed by Joseph Zen Ze-kiu, Bishop of Hong Kong; Ayub Yuet Che Yin, President of the Chairperson, The Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association; Mr. Tong Wai Ki Chairperson, The Hong Kong Taoist Association; Dr. Tong Yun Kai President, The Confucian Academy; Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Soo
Chairperson, The Hong Kong Christian Council and Ven. Kwok Kwong
President, the Hong Kong Buddhist Association.
The leaders write - "Warm Spring breezes and vying blossoms joyously announce the beginning of another year. The leaders of Six-Religions in Hong Kong gladly offer good wishes of happiness, good health, prosperity, stability and harmony in our homes and society for everyone in Hong Kong in the New Year". Their first thought - as is tradition- goes to the Territory's political leader; reflecting on Donald Tsang's election to the office of chief executive last year, they invite him to "pledge to strive for strong governance for the betterment of the people of Hong Kong".
The second part, of greater consistence, is a social analysis and denouncement of many realities all linked by a common denominator "the erosion of common social values" among the people of Hong Kong. The six leaders "note with great concern", above all the prevalence of excessive gambling which "brings an increasing number of people" to "incur huge debts and fall prey to loan sharks who intern inflict immense physical and emotional pain, and as a result, devastate family lives".
"Distress and pain" are expressed by the leaders regarding "frequent reports in the mass media of suicides and youth violence". the six "sincerely believe" that this phenomenon "reflect the lack of character formation in schools" and appeal "for the speedy implementation of measures to improve what is offered".
The question of education can be resolved because "the virtues embedded in Chinese culture and tradition are the building blocks of harmonious families" which "form society". "Presently they write - our younger generation have a greatly eroded sense of responsibility toward their families and the society in which they live".
On the occasion of the New Year and in the light of these problems, the leaders have taken the opportunity to "declare once again our dedication and commitment to inspire and safeguard the inner spiritual wholesomeness of the people" while they offer "close cooperation with the Special Administrative Region government in affirming positive and uplifting moral standards".
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