Hong Kong churches urged to address failings in handling sexual harassment 

Hong Kong churches are facing mounting pressure to overhaul their approach to sexual misconduct, as recent findings uncover a systemic failure to protect congregants. The call for reform follows a survey by the Hong Kong Christian Council’s Gender Justice Ministry that was reported by the South China Morning Post.

The research, based on 94 responses over the past year, identified at least 69 victims who had experienced varying degrees of sexual harassment at Hong Kong churches over the last two decades. Notably, the report included three cases involving minors aged between 13 and 15 at the time of the alleged abuse.

[See more: Hong Kong’s domestic helpers demand higher wages]

Jessica Tso Hiu-tung, the council’s executive secretary, characterised the findings as a “systemic issue.” She noted that churches, which frequently prioritise “harmony and unity,” have inadvertently created an environment where abusers can operate undetected. Current practices for handling grievances were described as passive, with perpetrators often receiving only a request to resign, or victims being offered little more than a “prayer of sympathy.”

The lack of formal protection remains stark. Eight years after the council first urged Hong Kong churches to establish anti-sexual harassment policies, the survey revealed that of 1,154 churches reviewed, only 47 per cent had such protocols in place. Approximately 400 churches reported having no policies at all, while a further 200 were unaware of the requirement.

Leaders at Hong Kong churches need more training

Doris Chong Tsz-wai, executive director of the Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women, highlighted the unique challenges victims face when abuse occurs within a church setting. Perpetrators often hold positions of authority and enjoy strong reputations, making it difficult for survivors to speak out. Victims reported being questioned by fellow churchgoers or pressured to keep silent as leadership sought to handle allegations internally to avoid civil liability.

Professor Angela Wong Wai-ching, an adjunct associate professor in cultural and religious studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, argued that leaders at Hong Kong churches require more training on personal boundaries and sex education. “When a pastor pats you on the shoulder or hugs you when holding the prayers, how does one draw the boundary? It’s quite difficult within the church,” Wong said.

The findings were released during a public consultation regarding reforms to sexual offences laws in Hong Kong, a legislative push that will replace 23 outdated offences and introduce stricter penalties. While the Law Reform Commission has advocated for these legislative updates to strengthen victim protection, Tso is urging all churches to proactively implement clear definitions of sexual harassment and establish transparent, enforceable mechanisms for handling complaints.