“Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” has emerged as a rallying cry among protesters, Reuters reports as a way to protect them from authorities. “Religious gatherings can be held without a permit in the financial hub,” it states.

Mass protests in Hong Kong over the proposed “Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters” bill have been going on for months. The bill would allow for the extradition of “criminals” identified by Mainland China for trial from Hong Kong.

Hong Kong a “Special Administrative Region” of China, has its own government and monetary system. Mainland China is ruled under the People’s Republic of China since Hong Kong’s sovereignty was transferred from the United Kingdom to China in 1997.

On June 16, an estimated two million people filled the streets urging the government to formally withdraw the legislation. According to a Reuters report, China has forbidden Hong Kong from withdrawing the bill.

Peaceful gatherings have continued, calling for democracy throughout the region–extending to communist Mainland China.

On Aug. 23, Christians took to the streets to protest against the Hong Kong government and Communism. They wore shirts stating, “God bless Hong Kong,” singing, “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord,” while holding hands.

Their hand-holding chain was said to stretch for miles.