December 24, 2012 - In his Christmas message to the Diocese of Hong Kong, Card. John
Tong has reiterated the request of the Catholic Church for universal suffrage for
the territory in electing the chief executive and parliament. At the same time, he
has stressed the importance of policies that help families in dealing with the economic
and cultural crisis. The cardinal asked for greater support for housing, education
and pensions and reiterated the importance of understanding the family as a unit of
a man and woman, "directed toward the procreation and raising of children." In his
message, published in the diocesan newspaper on Christmas eve Card. Tong also spoke
of his experience as Cardinal, since his elevation on Feb. 18, 2012. The Bishop of
Hong Kong, remembered with joy the vibrancy of local communities, which this year
received 3,500 new members who were baptized at Easter. With discrete courage,
the cardinal said he engaged in talks twice with the Government of Hong Kong, presenting
the requests of the diocese. Besides calling for an implementation of universal suffrage
in the election of the Chief Executive and of the legislature, the cardinal urged
the authorities to improve current policies on housing, health care, education and
retirement security. He also spoke of "stable marriage and harmonious family life
are prerequisites to safeguarding the well-being of society". Neither Britain at
the time of the colony, nor China after 1997 have ever guaranteed the people of Hong
Kong the opportunity to directly elect their leaders and parliamentarians. Even today,
the chief executive is chosen by an ad hoc committee, and only half of the Parliament
is elected by popular ballot. China has long ruled out universal suffrage for Hong
Kong at least postponing it until after 2017. Recalling the Catechism of the Catholic
Church, the Cardinal reaffirms that the family is composed of a "mutual self-giving
and lifelong commitment between a man and a woman". "While marriage is intended for
the benefit of husband and wife, it is also directed towards the procreation and upbringing
of children " The cardinal's underscoring this is urgent because Hong Kong is suffering
from a strong demographic crisis. At the same time, in recent weeks some groups have
started to push the government for legislation to recognize gay marriage.