Panel on the Spirituality of Hong Kong Protests

On February 10, UVA PhD students Clara Ma and Matthew Slaats brought together religious studies scholar Ting Guo, lawyer and author Antony Dapiran, Miller Center’s Compton Visiting Professor in World Politics Syaru Shirley Lin, and This American Life‘s Executive Editor Emanuele Berry, to discuss how religion and protest are playing an important role in the ever-shifting political landscape in Hong Kong. Throughout Hong Kong’s long history of protest, religious rituals and icons have been instrumental in supporting a diverse community of protesters. What other roles does religion play in Hong Kong protests? How do religion and democracy inform each other and shape the identity of protesters? How can the media amplify these dynamics?

Informed Perspectives brings together scholars, journalists, and documentarians to explore the relationship between religion, race, and politics.

Sponsored by the Luce/ACLS Program in Religion, Journalism & International Affairs

Above: Faithful sing religious songs outside the Legislative Council building as they protest a proposed extradition bill with China in Hong Kong, China June 11, 2019. REUTERS/Thomas Peter © REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo

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