In China, the Catholic Church is embroiled in a fierce battle against the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) relentless persecution of ten bishops, highlighting the larger conflict between religious freedom and state control. These bishops, revered figures in the Catholic Church, have become symbols of resistance against the CCP’s attempts to regulate religious expression.
The sacred role of bishops in upholding the teachings of the Catholic faith makes their persecution a tragic affront not just to them but to Catholics worldwide. The Vatican’s agreement with China in 2018 aimed at unifying the country’s Catholic community has drawn criticism for failing to protect those who refuse to align with the state-controlled Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPCA).
Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin of Fujian province, among others, has endured repeated detentions and pressure to adhere to the CPCA’s ideology. Bishop Julius Jia Zhiguo of Hebei and Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin of Shanghai have likewise faced CCP oppression and arrests for their refusal to comply.
A Deep Offense: China’s Assault on Catholic Bishops, Seen as Successors to the Apostles
Despite the Vatican’s recent extension of the agreement with China, the plight of these bishops underscores the complex interplay between faith and politics in the country. As they continue to silently resist, their struggle serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of religious freedom in a world where oppression looms large.