Hong Kong Event in the UK Canceled by UK Church Amidst China’s Political Influence

In recent developments, the cancellation of the Sheep Village Defense Battle – Justice Education Day event has sparked inquiries and concerns. Recognizing the impact this incident has on the Hong Kong community, the organizers have decided to shed light on the sequence of events.

The organizers had previously applied to Guildford Baptist Church for the rental of their venue to host the Sheep Village Justice Day Camp. After completing the necessary procedures, including confirming the rental and signing all required documents, they obtained written permission from the church to use the venue. It was only when the event was imminent that the organizers received a notification from Guildford Baptist Church, stating the need to cancel the venue.

Initially, the church’s response attributed the cancellation to a new staff member’s lack of clarity regarding the event falling on a public holiday, resulting in the church being closed. However, after numerous inquiries and attempts to change the event date, the church revealed that the cancellation was due to political reasons. The church expressed its decision not to rent the venue for similar events in the future, citing concerns about the impact on the community, given its diverse congregation. Nevertheless, the organizers believe that this decision contradicts the fundamental values of freedom of speech and cultural diversity that are crucial to British society.

The organizers did not anticipate that even in the UK, a country known for upholding freedom of speech and cultural diversity, the Sheep Village event would encounter sensitivities. Although the Sheep Village Justice Day Camp, as Kongtinue’s first public event, was abruptly canceled for political reasons, the organizers remain resolute and undeterred. They will continue to persist in organizing more activities related to Hong Kong’s culture and history.

Furthermore, the organizers express their commitment to exploring the possibility of holding physical Sheep Village events in other regions. They welcome any other regions or organizations interested in collaboration to reach out and join hands.

Overall, the incident has sparked controversy, highlighting the delicate interplay between Hong Kong, China, the UK, and a church in relation to political and cultural sensitivities. The organizers remain determined to uphold their mission of promoting Hong Kong’s culture and history, despite the setback they have faced.

What is “Sheep Village”?

On February 19, 2021, members of the National Security Education Center reported to the National Security Division of the Hong Kong (China) Police Force at Police Headquarters. They alleged that the “Sheep Village Guardians” and “Sheep Village Twelve Heroes” picture books published by the Hong Kong Speech Therapists General Union were glorifying the 12 Hong Kong individuals involved in the legal case, disseminating misleading information. They demanded an immediate removal of the books from circulation and a public apology to all citizens of Hong Kong (China), vowing not to repeat the same mistake.

On July 22, 2021, following an investigation, the National Security Division of the police took action and arrested five members of the union’s board of directors. The arrested individuals, aged between 25 and 28, included Chairperson Lai Man-ling, Vice Chairperson Yeung Yat-yi, as well as three other members of the board, Ng Hau-yi, Chan Yuen-sum, and Fong Tsz-ho. They were detained on charges of conspiring to publish, distribute, display, or reproduce seditious publications. During the operation, the police seized 550 copies of the publications, along with computers, flyers, phones, and froze HKD 160,000 in the union’s funds.