Hebei authorities forcefully erected a flagpole with the Chinese flag outside the church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Zhengding, the residence of Bishop Julius Jia Zhiguo, one the most prominent leaders of the Underground Catholic Church.
Catholic Church
A Catholic Bishop Not Recognized by the Government Arrested Today
In a surreal situation of overlaps between the “patriotic” Church and the underground Church, Msgr. Peter Shao Zhumin, bishop of Wenzhou, will be re-educated for 15 days.
Nothing Changes, Four Catholic Priests Arrested
The communist government does not stop persecuting the Catholic Church faithful to the Pope despite the provisional agreement reached in September with the Vatican for the unification of the Chinese clergy that has given much hope.
No Relief in Sight for Underground Catholics
Reports about arrested priests and closed down churches suggest that the authorities are not prepared to ease on the persecution of underground Catholic churches after the Vatican-China agreement.
Anti-Religious Activities Amplified in Henan
A confidential document adopted by the municipal government in one of the province’s cities lists specific measures to crack down on religious liberties, including online propaganda and the promotion of “patriotic” clergy.
Schism in the Chinese Catholic Church? Perhaps It Will Come from the Left
While many expected that the agreement between the Vatican and China would cause a conservative schism in Chinese Catholicism, in fact the first signs of a possible schism are appearing among the pro-government Patriotic Association.
Soldier Locked Up for His Religious Belief
A Catholic and resident of Tianjin, the soldier spent a month in solitary confinement. Later, he was disqualified from serving in the army.
Authorities Prevent Reconstruction of Churches
Churches that had been demolished due to their dilapidated state cannot be rebuilt now due to ongoing religious persecution in China.
Catholic Meeting Venues Closed Down
Across China, government-approved and underground Catholic churches are being shut down arbitrarily and believers arrested.
Pope Francis: “I Will Nominate the Bishops for China”
Talking with journalists, the Pope claimed he was personally responsible for the agreement with China and that he will have the last word in the choice of bishops.