Human Rights Watch is pushing the Holy See to prioritize the release of Catholic bishops who are forcibly missing in China. The renewal of the Provisional Agreement raises concerns about religious freedoms, as the Chinese government continues to pressure worshippers. HRW emphasizes the urgent need for Pope Francis to advocate for religious rights amidst increasing persecution and the impact of policies like Sinicization on religious practices.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is calling for the Holy See to prioritize religious freedoms in China, particularly regarding the release of Catholic bishops who have been forcibly disappeared. The Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, set to renew for an additional four years starting on October 22, 2024, raises concerns about the treatment of clergy in China. Maya Wang, HRW’s associate director for China, emphasized that the Vatican must make the release of its bishops a key focus in its dealings with Beijing. She believes that now is a crucial moment for Pope Francis to advocate for religious freedoms, countering the government’s increasing persecution of believers across the nation. The Hudson Institute highlighted the situation, noting that at least ten Catholic bishops recognized by the Vatican are currently detained or missing. Bishop James Su Zhimin from Baoding has experienced 27 years of continuous secret detention, rooted in his leadership of a significant religious procession. HRW observed that the Chinese government has breached the 2018 agreement by unilaterally appointing bishops and pressuring Catholics to attend official churches run by the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, punishing those who prefer underground house churches. Under Xi Jinping’s regime, a policy of Sinicization aims to align religious expression with traditional Chinese culture. This approach has led to the destruction of numerous church buildings and the oppression of religious gatherings not sanctioned by the state. Furthermore, the policy restricts access to religious texts and materials, severely curtailing religious expressions. These repressive measures echo the suppression faced by the Uyghur Muslim community in Xinjiang, which has drawn international criticism and allegations of genocide against human rights violators.
The article presents a significant plea from Human Rights Watch (HRW) regarding the Holy See’s role in advocating for religious freedoms in China. With the renewal of the agreement between the Holy See and China, concerns arise around the treatment of Catholic bishops and the broader implications for religious expression in a country governed by strict Sinicization and repression of non-state-sanctioned religious practices. Historical context reveals ongoing human rights issues linked to religious freedoms, particularly affecting the Catholic and Uyghur Muslim communities under government oversight.
In summary, HRW is urging the Holy See to take a stronger stance on protecting religious freedoms in China as the renewal of its agreement approaches. The ongoing detainment of bishops and the crackdown on religious practices are critical issues that call for decisive action from the Vatican. By focusing on the release of the bishops and advocating for broader religious rights, Pope Francis could significantly impact the future of Catholicism and human rights in China.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
