Illicit Chinese Catholic bishops appointed to top political bodies
March 05, 2013
Four Catholic bishops—none of them recognized by the Vatican—have been appointed members of China’s parliament, the People’s Congress, and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the AsiaNews service reports.
Bishop Huang Binzhang of Shantou, who was ordained without authorization from the Holy See and excommunicated in 2011, is a member of the People’s Congress. Bishop Ma Yinglin of Kunmin, the president of the Chinese Bishops’ Conference—which is recognized by Beijing but not by the Holy See—is a member of the CPPCC. Also elected to the CPPCC are Bishops Zhan Silu of Mindon, the vice-president of the illicit episcopal conference; and Lei Shiyin of Leshan, the vice-president of the Patriotic Catholic Association. The latter was formally excommunicated in 2011.
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Posted by: jacquebquique5708 -
Mar. 05, 2013 6:09 PM ET USA
There is no doubt that Benedict was not as strong on bishops in China as JPII. Unfortunately, the same type of attitude is being projected by T. Dolan in refusing to criticize the president for his pro abortion policies. The Republicans were held accountable for their stem cell research beliefs. It would appear that the American bishops are afraid of retaliation just as Benedict in his views on China. JPII was shot for his beliefs. It is the responsibility of the Bishops to speak up.
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Posted by: Defender -
Mar. 05, 2013 4:12 PM ET USA
Again this proves what the Patriotic catholic Church stands for in China. Making accomodations to them by the Vatican just leads to more demands. I sincerely hope that the next pope acts more like Pius XII in dealing with China (and I think Cardinal Zen would too).
