Chinese Catholics have reacted with shock to the news that the Vatican and China’s communist government intend to sign an agreement soon over the appointment of bishops.
Under the agreement, the Vatican would be given a say in the appointment of bishops in China, while an agreement could allow Chinese authorities more control over the country’s underground churches.
Catholics are particularly concerned that seven illicit Chinese bishops, who are backed by the government and unrecognized and excommunicated by the Holy See, would be recognized by the Holy See.
They were angered recently when two recognized bishops in Shantou and Mindong dioceses were asked to make way for illicit ones.
“We know that China and Vatican have been actively engaged in a dialogue, but we never expected that legitimate bishops would be asked to step down,” a Chinese Catholic who requested anonymity told uncanews.com.
She said that in exchange for the agreement signed by the Holy See with the government, “the underground community needs to be sanctified.”
She added: “Our faith tells us that God so loved the world that everything was best arranged by Him and He can bring good from evil, but now what is our future? Where is the church? And who is the shepherd? It is a burden for Catholics to have the game of politics imposed on them.”
The woman thinks the Holy See’s decision will make many Catholics leave the church. “We have no choice but to obey,” she said.
“Both want to extinguish our underground community,” he said, adding that “bishops who join the association are forced by the Holy See.”
