The Hong Kong constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and several religious organizations are active in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, most people in Hong Kong do not claim a religion, other than agnosticism or atheism. Just over 25% of the population claims a religion. Among those who are religious, the majority practice Chinese folk religions, including Confucianism, Taoism, or Buddhism. As these traditional Chinese religions were discouraged during the British era, and religion of any kind is frowned upon in mainland China, it is likely that many people do not claim this practice when surveyed.
Shenism, a Chinese folk religion, is the traditional religion of the Han Chinese. The practice of Shenism involves the worship of deities related to nature, clans, cities, nations, cultural heroes, dragons, or ancestors. Since the religion is not generally practiced in temples, in urban Hong Kong, many adherents to Shenism do not recognize the practice as being religious in nature, but may consider it to be cultural and a part of their heritage.
Once the primary religion of Chinas, Confucianism is used on the writings of Confucius, an ancient Chinese teacher and philosopher, who advocated for individual, corporate, and governmental morality. Practitioners of Confucianism in Hong Kong include some of the region's educators, operating several local schools, where they incorporate the teachings of Confucius with a general education curriculum.
Taoism has an emphasis on living in harmony with the Tao, which is a principle of nature. Some of the Taoist temples have become popular tourist attractions, particularly during festival times.
Buddhism is a significant religion in Hong Kong, and some of the Buddhist temples are prominent for their architectural styles and statues, attracting visitors on Buddhist holidays and weekends. Buddhists, also, are involved in education, and Buddhist leaders are influential in corporate and governmental leadership. Buddha's birthday is a public holiday in Hong Kong, and the University of Hong Kong has a Center of Buddhist Studies.
Christianity was introduced by the British Empire In 1841, and became the preferred religion during the British era. Today, several Christian denominations, churches, and missions are at work in Hong Kong, but just over 10% of the Hong Kong population names Christianity as their religion.
The Roman Catholic Church was established in Hong Kong as a Mission Prefecture in 1841, becoming an Apostolic Vicariate in 1874, and a Diocese in 1946. There are more than fifty parishes in Hong Kong, with most services conducted in Cantonese, although services are provided in English or Tagalog in some cases. There are also more than two hundred and fifty Catholic schools in Hong Kong.
Protestantism also came to Hong Kong with the British in 1841. Today, there are more than fifty Protestant denominations active in Hong Kong, including Anglican, Baptist, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Church of Christ in China, Methodist, Pentecostal, Salvation Army, and Seventh-day Adventist. Protestant bodies in Hong Kong are united within two fellowships, the Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches Union and the Hong Kong Christian Council.
Eastern Orthodoxy has had a presence in Hong Kong since 1933, when a Russian Orthodox Mission began, and was later followed by a parish.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have more than thirty congregations in Hong Kong. Although the LDS sent missionaries to Hong Kong in 1853, they did not set up a headquarters there until 1949. The administrative area for the LDS Mission in Hong Kong includes all of China, although there are currently no LDS missionaries in mainland China.
Seven Hong Kong hospitals are operated by Protestant churches, some of which have been in operation for a long time. In addition, there are six Catholic hospitals in Hong Kong. The Christian community is also active in providing welfare and social services, and operating schools at all levels.
Due perhaps to active youth programs in Hong Kong, the percentage of Christians among university students is about 25%, more than twice that of the population at large.
Recommended Resources
Representing the congregations in Hong Kong that are affiliated with Calvary International Ministries, member churches are identified, with addresses, contacts, service days and times, as well as whether services are in English, Filipino, Nepalese, Indonesian, or Mandarin. Calvary Church Hong Kong church offices and administrative contacts, ministries, and other factors are included.
http://www.calvaryhk.com/
The Latin Rite diocese is headed by its own Bishop, who is subject to the Pope, but not a vicar of the Roman Pontiff. Diocesan churches, schools, and social service agencies are featured, with statements on the Church's positions on infant baptism, marriage, and death. Chancery notices and decrees, press releases, announcements, messages, and pastoral letters are set forth, with links to other Catholic sites.
http://catholic.org.hk/en/
Situated in the heart of Hong Kong, the Christian church is an international and English-speaking fellowship that meets each Sunday morning, and offers ministries for children, youth, young adults, and families, as well as global Christian service opportunities and other programs. Its locations, schedules, a calendar of events, media archive, contacts, and employment opportunities are set forth.
https://communitychurch.hk/
The congregation began in 1988, its name chosen for the interdenominational nature of its membership, which consists of Asian and expatriate English-speaking people in Hong Kong. Its history, service locations and schedules, a calendar of programs and events, and an introduction to its children's, youth, and small group programs, discipleship and educational programs, outreach missions, and prayer meetings.
http://ecchk.org/
Offering services in the Hong Kong Island District as well as in the Tsim Sha Tsui District of the Hong Kong area, the Church in Hong Kong is an English-speaking Christian fellowship, which is in fellowship with thousands of other local churches. Its beliefs are outlined, and the locations and schedules of its meetings are posted, along with church office contacts and hours, Christian testimonies, news, announcements, and an overview of its ministries.
http://eng.churchinhongkong.org/
Located in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong, the congregation is made up of local and international members. Directions, office times and hours, worship service schedules, and a calendar of events are posted to the site, and its community groups, ministries for men and women, newcomers, and the Chinese community are outlined, including educational programs, social justice ministries. Sermon archives and notes are included.
http://www.thevine.org.hk/
United Church of God, Hong Kong
Affiliated with the United Church of God, and international association, the Hong Kong Christian body holds to the same fundamental beliefs as that of the United Church of God, International. Its mission, beliefs, and practices are set forth. Meeting most Saturdays in Quarry Bay on Hong Kong Island, the church's schedules and an introduction to its services are included, with contacts and other details.
http://www.ucghk.org/
