Chinese Christian Democracy Activist Szeto Wah Dies at 79

By Joseph Leung
107873470WAH.jpg
Part of the funeral service procedure includes a choir devotion of Szeto Wah’s favorite song, the hymn “The Lord’s Prayer”, Mike Clarke/AFP/Getty Images

Chinese Christian political figure, democracy freedom-fighter Szeto Wah, 79, died in Hong Kong on January 2, 1011. His funeral service on his funeral day will be conducted in the Christian way on Saturday, January 29, at St. Andrew’s Church and broadcast live.

According to AM730, Rev. Zhu Yaoming, the appointed convener of the funeral committee, said that Wah has reiterated many times that from where he was baptized will be where he should be laid to rest. A private Requiem will be held at Tsim Sha Tsui Baptist Church, where he was baptized, on the night of January 28. Only his relatives, friends, colleagues in education field, and friends who fought together with him for democracy are invited.

Part of the funeral service procedure includes a choir devotion of Wah’s favorite song, the hymn “The Lord’s Prayer”, after the church bell rings and the leading pastor guide the coffin bearer into the chapel. This hymn is the Lord Jesus’ teaching on prayers, which include a verse “your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” In Wah’s life, he has fought and hoped for God’s righteous kingdom to come, and he has won the public’s respect for his lifelong devotion.

Zhu said that Wah’s will is to decorate his altar of mourning with lilies and with the phrase “The Lord Gives Me Strength.”

Furthermore, the committee is planning to hold a public memorial service on February 27th.

Public memorial services will be held in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, according to Singtao Daily Canada.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo