Author:
Publication: Zenit.org
Date: September 11, 2005
Says Request "Shows No Respect"
China has turned down a Vatican invitation
to four Chinese bishops to be members of the Synod on the Eucharist this October,
contending the move showed no respect.
The invitation of the bishops, three of the
official Church of China and one of the underground Church, was seen by Vatican
figures as a "warm and friendly" indication to the Beijing government
that talks can safely be opened with the Holy See, reported AsiaNews.
A spokesman for the official Church associations
of China replied: "The invitation goes against the original good intention
of the Pope and shows no respect for China's 5 million Catholics, bishops,
the Chinese Catholic bishops college and the China Patriotic Catholic Association
and for the decision-making power of the two Chinese Catholic groups,"
reported Reuters.
"If the Holy See has deep sincerity to
improve China-Vatican relations, we hope they take real actions, rather than
put up new barriers," the spokesman added.
In a speech May 12 to the diplomatic corps
accredited to the Holy See, Benedict XVI had referred to countries that do
not have "diplomatic relations," saying that he expressed the hope
of seeing them represented at the Vatican sooner or later -- a clear reference
to China, the only major power not to recognize the Pope.
The four mainland Chinese prelates are Anthony
Li Duan of Xian, Louis Jin Luxian of Shanghai, and Li Jingfeng of Fengxiang
-- all recognized by the government -- and Joseph Wei Jingyi of Qiqihar.
The Vatican estimates it has about 8 million
followers in China, compared with about 5 million who follow the government-sanctioned
Church.
