Beijing, China, Oct 16, 2005 / 22:00 pm
In a remarkable gesture toward cooperation and improved relations, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries invited Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop of Washington, D.C., for a visit in the Chinese capital.
During his nearly weeklong stay, the cardinal met Wednesday with Fu Tieshan, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, and Friday with China’s top adviser Jia Qinglin.
During the cardinal’s meeting with Fu, the two men exchanged views on improving relations between the churches of the two countries, reported Xinhua.
Fu is also chairman of the Catholic Patriotic Association of China and acting chairman of the Chinese bishops conference.