Beijing, China, Jun 24, 2011 / 01:07 am
The state-controlled Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association sparked intense controversy on June 23 by announcing its intent to ordain up to 40 bishops without the approval of the Pope.
Joseph Kung, an expert on the persecuted Church in China, told CNA that the move indicates the Chinese government does not have “an iota of sincerity and respect” that would allow “a trustworthy relationship, be it diplomatic or spiritual, with the Holy See.”
The state-backed organization– known as the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association – announced that it would appoint new bishops, since 40 out of the country's 97 diocese are without one.
Association spokesman Fr. Yang Yu said on June 23 that the bishops will be appointed in an “active and prudent” way based on what he called national conditions and pastoral and evangelizing work.