New clampdown on Catholics.

Hong Kong -- The Chinese communist government claims to respect religious freedom. However, freedom of worship is in practice only permitted to those who belong to approved religious organizations, such as the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Church, which are under government control. The underground Church, faithful to Rome, continues to be persecuted (see CI., Dec. 2003, p.25: Priests and Seminarians Arrested).

Latest reports from Hong Kong-based Information Center for Human Rights and Democracy detail that in the eastern province of Zhejiang, 392 Buddhist temples and Christian churches have been closed, some having been destroyed outright and others confiscated for use as "entertainment centers".

Of the underground bishops in China, those not in prison or under house arrest are in hiding. In 1994 Bishop Su Zhimin of Baoding, Hebei province, met with U.S. Congressman, Chris Smith, N.J. After Smith's departure the bishop was detained in jail for 9 days, released, rearrested, and not seen for six years. He turned up recently under heavy guard in a local hospital, requiring treatment for eye and heart ailments.

China's loosening up of controls on economic activity and policies do not encompass a parallel expansion of religious liberty. Instead, the goal of the authorities seems to be "theological reconstruction", with Christian and other faiths reducing their beliefs to the point of being "compatible with socialism". This is naturally the main thrust of the "patriotic" churches.

This situation is causing great concern in formerly British Hong Kong whose Catholic bishop, Joseph Zen, fears that Beijing may impose similar religious repression in the reclaimed colony. Among other concerns, the diocese stands to lose the 300 schools it operates. Bishop Zen has called on Westerners doing business in China to advocate greater religious freedom for its citizens (Zenit, Nov/03).