In late December, 2016, as the Chinese government was
negotiating a deal to improve relations with the Vatican, Yu Zhengsheng, a
senior Communist Party leader, “endorsed the notion of a self-governed Chinese
Catholic church.”[1] The
key point, I submit, hinges on governance.
In what sense does governance apply rightfully (or fittingly) to a religious
organization? This is a question to be put both to the Chinese government and
the Vatican.
Yu Zhengsheng meeting Chinese Catholic religious authorities (Source: Yao Dawei/Xinhua)
The complete essay is at "A Self-Governing Chinese Catholic Church."
1. Javier C. Hernandez, “Catholic
Churches in China Should Be Independent of Vatican, Official Says,” The New York Times, December 30, 2016.