Christian leaders vow action on predatory pastors, as sexual misconduct claims pile up
Local churches criticised for responses to allegations, with one clergyman under police investigation and 55 other reports unearthed
Two prominent Christian leaders on Monday vowed to clamp down on sexual harassment in Hong Kong’s churches, as claims mounted of preachers making improper advances on parishioners.
That came as other high-ranking clergy accused churches of handling harassment reports poorly, avoiding independent investigations with a view to sweeping things under the carpet and protecting their image.
Reverend Lo Lung-kwong, incoming secretary general of the Hong Kong Christian Council, an umbrella body for 21 churches including Anglican and Methodist ones, said putting an end to sexual impropriety by pastors would be one of his “top priorities” once he takes office.
“We need to express sympathy and support the victims, encourage churches to formulate preventive measures and complaint mechanisms … and step up our training of [pastors],” said the veteran Methodist pastor, who will take on his role on Sunday.
Reverend Peter Koon Ho-ming, provincial secretary general of the city’s Anglican church, which has up to 40,000 followers, warned: “Regardless of who you are or the size of your church, sexual harassment or abuse should never be tolerated or appeased.”
