“This means to provide the explanations of theological classics, doctrines, and canons that align with the requirements of socialist core values. Through cultural infusion, the Church incorporates elements and characteristics of Chinese culture in Church liturgy, architecture, arts, and more; aiming to establish a Catholic theological framework with Chinese characteristics, which can be used as a guide to put sinicization of Catholicism into practice,” Shen said.
Shen serves as the vice chairman of the state-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and is chairman of the Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China (BCAA) — the episcopal conference of the state-sanctioned Church, a body not recognized by the Holy See.
Shen made waves when he was unilaterally appointed as bishop of Shanghai in April without a papal mandate, thereby breaking the terms of the contested Sino-Vatican Accord. While the text of the accord is secret, it regulates the appointment of bishops of the mainland — and stipulates that episcopal appointments require approval from both the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China. The provisional agreement first went into effect in 2018 and was subsequently renewed in 2020 and 2022. It will be up for renewal, for a third time, in 2024.
Shen was officially installed as bishop of Shanghai on July 15, when Pope Francis decided to retroactively approve his appointment.
The Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy Father’s decision was made to “heal the canonical irregularity.” He also said the “intention is fundamentally pastoral” and will allow the bishop to “work with greater serenity to promote evangelization and foster ecclesial communion.”
Shen’s recent comments come after he gave an extensive, 15-page interview with the diocesan magazine of Shanghai in October where he again emphasized the importance of implementing sinicization for the Church in China.
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn
China’s top patriotic bishop stresses unity, sinicization to guide evangelization: The visit also was significant because of tensions between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China following the unilateral appointment by China of...
African students among those celebrating Chinese New Year in Shanghai: A bunch of foreign students have recently participated in an event in Shanghai to celebrate the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year. These students...
Leave Wike out of crisis in EDO PDP, Onaiwu urges party faithful: By Patricia Amogu Pioneer Director-General of PDP Governors’ Forum, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has urged PDP faithful in Edo to disregard news making the rounds that...
Obiano Asks Catholic Community To Support New Bishop Of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Okoye: Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has called on the Catholic Community in Nnewi to support the new Bishop of Nnewi Diocese Most Reverend Jonas-Benson...
China’s capital in race to detect COVID cases, avoid Shanghai’s distress: Millions of people in Beijing took their second COVID-19 tests of the week on Wednesday as the Chinese capital tried to keep an outbreak numbering...
Shanghai reports zero cases outside quarantined areas for April 29: China’s Shanghai reported zero COVID-19 cases outside its quarantined areas for April 29, the first time since the recent outbreak in the eastern financial hub,...
Shanghai marks COVID milestone in combatting the Virus: Shanghai said on Saturday it had detected no new daily COVID-19 cases outside quarantine areas, marking a milestone in its battle to contain the virus,...
Chinese bishop reflects on his experience at the Synod on Synodality: “They all showed interest in the development of the Church in China, eager to know more and to pray for us.” Yao is the bishop...
Communist regime arrests ousted Chinese bishop: Ordination and Episcopal Role (1989-2011) In 1989, Shao received ordination as a priest, and his ecclesiastical journey led to his appointment as the coadjutor bishop...
Archdiocese Initiates Canonization Process for Sister Cecilia María de la Santa Faz, Encourages Faithful to Contribute to Her Saintly Reputation: The Archdiocese of Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz has officially commenced the canonization process for Sister Cecilia María de la Santa Faz, inviting the...