In a recent article appearing in The Catholic Thing, RFI President Thomas Farr outlines the threats to the Catholic Church in China under Xi Jinping. Farr argues that “Part of Xi’s plan is to force fundamental alterations in Catholic doctrine and witness,” and that, “The 2018 Sino-Vatican Provisional Agreement on nominating and ordaining bishops must be assessed in the harsh light of Xi’s policy.”

Why is Beijing so committed to intervening in the appointment of Catholic bishops in China? As Farr explains, “[T]here is a renewed appreciation of the dangers posed by unapproved bishops faithful to Catholic teachings on human rights and religious freedom.” Farr adds that, “If the Chinese control the choice of candidates, they will inevitably prove harmful to the Church. The Xi regime will certainly nominate bishops who will ‘Sinicize’ the Church, altering its teachings and eroding its influence.”

This situation represents one of the greatest challenges to institutional religious freedom in the world today. Xi’s policy strikes at the heart of the Church’s presence and public witness in China.

[T]he Vatican should demand nothing less than libertas ecclesiae, the freedom of the Church to witness to its adherents, to the public, and to the regime its teachings on human dignity and the common good.

Read full article here.