# Hong Kong Police Question Churches Over Tai Po Fire Memorial Masses Authorities scrutinize Catholic memorial services for victims of a fatal Hong Kong fire. - **Source:** [Hong Kong Free Press](https://hongkongfp.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/95835e4b-695c-4a3b-ab19-cc2e4af6cad9 ## Police Questioning of Churches Hong Kong police have questioned two Catholic churches regarding planned memorial masses for victims of the Tai Po fire. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church were approached by authorities after announcing services to honor the 168 individuals who perished in the blaze last November. ## Immaculate Heart of Mary Response The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Tai Po was questioned twice by police following their announcement of a special anniversary service. Consequently, the church replaced the specific memorial mass with a general ceremony for all deceased parishioners. Parishioner Antony Yiu publicly questioned if police now dictate the focus of prayers. ## Wan Chai Church Developments Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Wan Chai also faced police inquiries after planning a memorial service. Father Thomas Law initially stated he had not been contacted, but later confirmed that three officers visited him to ask about the event's details and expected attendance numbers, describing the interaction as curious rather than threatening. ## Official Stance on Memorials Police stated they act in accordance with the law based on actual circumstances and maintain communication with event organizers. Secretary for Security Chris Tang noted that authorities would assist families wishing to mark the anniversary, provided they abide by legal requirements, though he did not confirm specific applications for memorial events. ## Context of Remembrance Month November is traditionally observed as a month of remembrance within the Catholic Church, a period dedicated to praying for the eternal rest of the deceased. Father Thomas Law emphasized that the church holds such memorials annually, suggesting that believers are free to pray for fire victims during these existing, scheduled services. ## Public and Parishioner Reaction The intervention by law enforcement has sparked debate regarding the boundaries of religious freedom and state oversight. Antony Yiu expressed concern over the police questioning, highlighting the tension between the church's desire to provide pastoral care for grieving families and the government's strict approach to public gatherings and commemorative events. ## Safety and Legal Compliance Authorities maintain that their involvement is driven by considerations of venue safety and the wishes of the victims' families. Secretary for Security Chris Tang indicated that police evaluate factors such as crowd control and public order when assessing memorial requests, ensuring that all commemorative activities remain within the established legal framework. ## Ongoing Commemoration Uncertainties The situation reflects broader sensitivities surrounding public gatherings in Hong Kong. While the government claims to support families, the direct questioning of clergy suggests a high level of scrutiny for any event that could draw crowds. The future of such memorial services remains subject to ongoing police monitoring and administrative oversight. ## Sources covering this story - https://hongkongfp.com/2026/11/12/hong-kong-police-reportedly-question-two-catholic-churches-over-tai-po-fire-memorial-masses/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._