Chinese bishop punished for refusing to join in illicit episcopal ordination

October 25, 2011

A Chinese Catholic bishop has been disciplined for his refusal to participate in the July 14 ordination of a new bishop—a ceremony for which the Vatican had not given its approval.

Bishop Paul Pei Junmin of Liaoning resisted pressure to participate in the illicit ordination. Priests from the Laoning diocese surrounded their bishop, forming a human wall to protect him from arrest, in the days leading up to the unauthorized ceremony. Now the bishop has been stripped of his post as vice-president of the Chinese episcopal conference. (The episcopal conference is recognized by the Beijing government, but not by the Vatican.)

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• China disciplines Bishop for not participating in illegitimate ordination (Vatican Insider)
• Chinese clerics resist pressure to join in illicit ordinations (CWN, 7/8)