It appears that a partial resolution on the issue of the appointment of Bishops could open the way for a resumption of diplomatic relations with the Catholic Church nearly 70 years after they were cut during the Communist takeover of China.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, full relations would give the Church a legal framework to look after all of China’s estimated 12 million Catholics and move on to focus on Catholic growth in a country where Protestant churches are already growing fast.
At present, the Church in China is split between “underground” communities that recognise the Pope and those belonging to a state-controlled Catholic Patriotic Association where Bishops are appointed by the government in collaboration with local Church communities.
Under the formal deal, the Vatican will have a say in negotiations for the appointment of all future Bishops, a source told Reuters News Service: “It is not great a agreement but we don’t know what the situation will be like in 10 or 20 years. It could even be worse. Afterwards we will still be like a bird in a cage but the cage will be bigger.It is not easy. Suffering will continue. We will have to fight for every centimeter to increase the size of the cage.”
Recent accusations by a senior Cardinal (Joseph Zen) that the Vatican was prepared to “sell out” the Church in China and media suggestions that Pope Francis was out of the loop on China negotiations sparked a rare and public rebuke by the Pope.
In a statement attributed to the Holy Father, the Vatican insisted that Pope Francis has followed the China negotiations very closely and had backed an offer made to two Chinese Bishops loyal to the Vatican in which they would take on different positions in their dioceses in order to facilitate an overall accord with government-backed Bishops.
According to Vatican, in the latest compromise, five out of seven very complex situations regarding “illegitimate Bishops” (those with government backing) have been resolved. They have asked for a pardon from Pope Francis and to be made legitimate in the eyes of the Church.
Last December, with Papal approbation, a Vatican delegation went to China to make an offer relating to two Vatican-recognized bishops.
One, an 87-year-old Prelate would retire to make way for a state-backed Bishop to succeed him. Under the scenario, the government would officially recognize the Vatican-backed Prelate as “Bishop emeritus”.
Another Vatican-recognized Bishop would become an Auxiliary to one who had been appointed by the government. But even though he would effectively take on a lesser role, the government would grant him official recognition as part of the deal.
Whether or not this “solution” will be positive for the Church in China will be tested, proven or disproven in the years ahead.
Certainly, the Holy See could do more to commend those who suffered greatly in maintaining their fidelity to the Church during years of harsh and constant persecution.
So far, such recognition has been found seriously wanting. Perhaps, the reason is because negotiations are still ongoing.
However, when an accord is reached, certainly the Holy Father should hold the Chinese Catholic Bishops and their flocks before the word as an example of fearless and extraordinary witness to the Gospel and the Church.
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