Clashes in China at new bishop’s ordination

December 01, 2016

The ordination of a new bishop in Chengdu, China, saw a clash between loyal Catholics and police officials, provoked by the attendance of a bishop who has been excommunicated by the Vatican.

Bishop Joseph Tang Yuange was ordained on November 30 for the Chengdu diocese with the Vatican’s approval, as well as that of the Chinese government. Two of the three bishops who took part in the ceremony were also recognized by both Rome and Beijing. However the third prelate, Bishop Lei Shiyin of Leshan, was ordained without a Vatican mandate and has been excommunicated.

Catholics attending the ordination ceremony strenuously protested the involvement of Bishop Lei. Some displayed banners denouncing his participation, and at least one tried to block his way as he entered the church. But police ushered him into the building, and blocked access to the demonstrators.

The Chinese government’s aggressive effort to involve an excommunicated bishop prompted angry reactions from Catholics of the “underground” Church, who complained that the incident showed the failure of the Vatican’s “kowtow diplomacy” toward Beijing. The clash took place against the background of new reports that representatives of the Holy See and the Chinese government are close to an agreement on the appointment of new bishops.

 

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Further information:

• Chinese bishop excommunicated by Vatican takes part in ordination (Reuters)
• Chengdu, excommunicated bishop, defended by police, took part in Episcopal ordination of Msgr. Joseph Tang Yuange (AsiaNews)
• Ankang and Chengdu ordinations: "Faith is not dead”. “Kowtow diplomacy" a failure (AsiaNews)