Chinese officials allow some recognition at funeral for 'underground' bishop
August 01, 2016
Chinese officials have allowed Catholic mourners to pay tribute to the late Bishop Vincent Huang Shoucheng of Mindong, although they would not allow the bishop to be buried with his miter.
Because the government did not recognize Bishop Huang, officials instructed Catholic leaders that his funeral could not attract "too much attention," the AsiaNews service reports. Police will restrict access to the funeral.
However, after negotiations with Bishop Huang's successor, Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin, the authorities allowed the funeral to be held at Mindong's cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. They also allowed mourners to place a floral display, shaped in the form of a miter, at the deceased bishop's head. The concessions are noteworthy particularly because the officials tacitly accepted the leadership role of the new bishop, who is also unrecognized by the government.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
