Chinese government ordered Catholics "deep survey and implementation of Xi Jinping's thoughts on socialism", in peculiar "an crucial lecture by Secretary General Xi Jinping on spiritual activities".
China orders Catholics to survey the doctrine of communism. In the Christmas want list, which authorities sent On 23 December, the Communist Party's programme of religion for 2025 was presented to the “Catholic and Christian Communities”.
The letter published through the state-approved Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CCPA) was signed as originating from the spiritual Office. The government indicates that it is satisfied with the cooperation of the state and the Church, which has taken place in the last 12 months:
“Last year the Catholic and Christian communities full implemented the Party's [communist] explanation of spiritual work in the fresh era, full implemented the Party's fundamental policy on spiritual work, applied the direction of the Sinization of religion in China, applied the rule of independency and autonomy, the highly elevated banners of patriotism and socialism, enthusiastically celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and implemented the principles of "three love" and "five history".
Thanks to the inactive secret Chinese-Vatican agreement – renewed again in October for six years – the Vatican now has a much closer relation with the leading CCPA clergy. These clergy are accountable to the Communist authorities in Beijing and have a akin character to the well-known “priest-patriots”.
One of the main borders between the state church and the "underground" church, which remains loyal to Rome, is the state's approval of the implementation of the "sinization", that is, the process of assimilation and control of the Communist organization of China over religion and culture.
The Bishops of the KPC are now ready to proceed this process without hindrance during the next calendar year, and the Chinese government has expressly ordered them to do so. As part of the letter of the Bureau for Religion, a number of instructions were given, including a request "systematically advance the sinisation of our country's religions, cultivate and practice socialist fundamental values, advance Chinese culture and advance comprehensive and rigorous governance of religions".
Moreover, the government commissioned Catholics "deep survey and implementation of Xi Jinping's thought on Socialism with Chinese features for the fresh era, in peculiar an crucial lecture by Secretary General Xi Jinping on spiritual work".
Similarly, the priorities for 2025 included a directive on "full implementation of the spirit of the 20th National legislature of the PSC and the 2nd and 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the PSC, compliance with the rule of independency and autonomy".
"We will strive to contribute to the comprehensive improvement of a strong nation and national revival through Chinese modernisation" – added in the letter.
Retired Hong Kong cardinal Joseph Zen and Chinese experts inform that Sinization means that “all spiritual communities are led by the Party, controlled by the organization and supported by the PartyIt’s okay. ”
– All bishops who refuse to join the Catholic Patriotic Association are placed under home arrest or abruptly disappear. Although the Vatican said a fewer years ago that the Chinese-Vatican Agreement does not require anyone to join this schizmatic organization, this refusal results in persecution and punishment. And the Vatican stands by and does nothing said China expert and president of Population investigation Institute Steven Moser.
A fresh study by Frances Hui of the Hong Kong Freedom Committee quoted a Hong Kong priest who warned that the ever-increasing dialog that Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong had with the Church of the Communist organization of China was not an exchange but a "brainwashing". Part of the sinisation process is "proactive suppression of information about spiritual persecution in China and weakening the emphasis on defending the rights of believers in China," the study says.
It is believed that the authoritative secret agreement recognises the state-approved church in China and allows the Communist organization of China (KPCh) to appoint bishops. Pope Francis retains the right of veto, although in practice the control is exercised by the KPC . It is said that it besides allows the removal of legitimate bishops and their replacement by bishops approved by the KPC.
W Letters to Chinese Catholics of 2018 Francis described this agreement as forming “New chapter of the Catholic Church in China”. Speaking on the papal plane in September, Francis confirmed his satisfaction with the relationship: – Yes, I am pleased with the dialog with China. The results are good. Even erstwhile it comes to the appointment of bishops, matters are of good will.
However, Cardinal Joseph Zen called the agreement “an incredible betrayal, ” and the beloved cardinal further accused the Vatican of “selling” Chinese Catholics.
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