Bishop consensus hints at Sino-Vatican entente

• Source: Global Times
• [00:37 May 13 2010]
• Comments

GT: What are China's policies on Catholicism? Will China change its policies on "underground churches?"

Liu: The recent improvements in relations show the Chinese government changed its attitude somewhat. In 2009 there have been no serious conflicts between the Chinese government and the "underground churches."

Catholics inside and outside China agree that there is only one Catholic Church worldwide. This provides the foundation for China and the Vatican to work together to find a solution.

In the future China won't make any change to the fundamental stance that foreigners must respect Chinese sovereignty and government authority.

However, China will treat Catholic believers more respectfully and may take a more flexible attitude toward the Vatican as long as the Vatican agrees to China's terms.

This will take a while, but these are hopeful signs.

GT: What are the sticking points in Sino-Vatican relations?

Liu: China has been sticking to its principles of independence and self-governance on Catholicism, while the Vatican requires all Catholic churches in the world to follow Rome's teaching.

They both want to maintain their principles but have to face the changes in the world, so they have chosen the current practice of deciding bishops together.

During the Cold War, the Vatican was strongly anti-Communist, while in the 1960s, China tried to clean up the religious influence in society, due to the ultra-left thinking at the time.

Slanted Western coverage also influenced the Vatican's attitude.

Since the 1980s, China has begun to consider normalizing diplomatic ties with the Vatican.

GT: How will this affect Sino-Vatican relations and international relations?

Zhuo: China has taken steps to prove its positive attitude toward Catholicism, such as the commemorative activities for Matteo Ricci, one of the first Jesuit missionaries to China.

In 2008, the China Philharmonic Orchestra played in the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI and China's ambassador to Italy Sun Yuxi both attended the event.

Liu: Sino-Vatican cooperation on ordaining bishops shows China's confidence and its openness to the world, as well as its respect for religious belief and Catholicism.

China has rethought its policies on religions and adopted a more practical and flexible way on dealing with religious affairs in international relations.

Catholicism is quite influential in the West, especially Europe. Most Latin American countries also believe in Catholicism. And the US regards freedom of faith as a fundamental part of human rights.

If China wants to strengthen its relations with Catholic countries, and improve relations with other religious countries, normalizing Sino-Vatican relations is quite important.