September 22, 2018
NO.251
To resolve impediments to ecclesiastical affairs in China, the Holy See has finalized a provisional agreement with China on the appointment of bishops following extensive engagement and dialogue. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) hopes that this accord will enhance religious freedom in China and allow the Chinese Catholic Church to become an integral part of the universal Church.
The government of China has consistently maintained that external forces should not intervene in its internal affairs, including freedom of religion. The R.O.C. government has taken note of China’s attitude in signing this agreement. As the world watches China increasingly tightening control over religious practices, Taiwan trusts that the Holy See has made appropriate arrangements to ensure that Catholic adherents in China will receive due protection and not be subject to repression. Taiwan hopes that once the agreement is implemented, members of the Catholic community in China will enjoy true religious autonomy.
The Holy See has reaffirmed to Taiwan that this provisional agreement is not of a political or diplomatic nature, and will not affect the diplomatic relationship that has been in place for 76 years between Taiwan and the Holy See. Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Holy See on humanitarian assistance, culture, education, environmental protection, religious freedom, bridge church activities, youth training and interfaith dialogue, so as to consolidate the longstanding diplomatic partnership.
A delegation of Taiwan bishops met with Pope Francis during an ad limina visit to the Holy See in May this year. In addition, the R.O.C. government will send a delegation to the Vatican in mid-October to attend the canonization ceremony for Pope Paul VI. (E)
