09/17/2018 China (International Christian Concern) – Beijing and the Vatican might ink an agreement on the appointment of bishops at the end of this month, according to Wall Street Journal’s report on September 14.

The two sides have been conversing for nearly three years over who gets to appoint bishops in the atheist country. Rounds of negotiations seem to yield concessions from both sides. Latest versions of the controversial deal would have Beijing recognize for the first time that the pope is the head of the Catholic Church in China. Pope Francis in return, would formally recognize seven excommunicated Chinese bishops who were appointed without Vatican approval by the Communist government.

However, critics like the former head of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong, Cardinal Joseph Zen have repeatedly called such agreement a “deal with the devil” and a “complete sellout.” He said that “any agreement on the side of the Vatican may be seen as collaboration with the government to persecute our own people; that’s terrible.”

Religious persecution in China against Christian churches continues to intensify under President Xi Jinping. Since the newly amended regulations on religious affairs came into effect last February, be it Protestant or Catholic, state-sanctioned or underground, thousands of churches across China have seen crosses removed, religious materials confiscated, children banned from attending services, and their gathering places disbanded by the government.

For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].