According to the agreement between the Vatican and Beijing on the Bishop’s nomination of the Hong Kong theologian Kung Lap Yan, explains in a DW Interview why the Deal is politically motivated and the Vatican can lose.
Deutsche Welle: An agreement between the Holy see and Beijing, the Vatican refuses to recognize the appointment of eight bishops in China, which were proposed by the state, although in fact only the Pope can appoint bishops. The Vatican announced no further Details. Why is the process so critical?
Kung Lap Yan: The Vatican is not only for the Catholic Church in the world, he is also a political actor.
The criticism of the Vatican aimed at the Church. The spiritual head of the Catholic Church is to represent the interests of the suffering, and should therefore waive the co-operation with China, because China has a poor human rights record and because of China’s government religious Affairs, not met in a fair and non-human.
But the Vatican as a sovereign state, and foreign policy interests. Because of issues such as human rights and truth back into the Background. Governments represent their interests and forging then compromise. For example, the USA have on 1. In January 1979, for political reasons, diplomatic relations with mainland China and Taiwan canceled.
The recent decision of the Vatican was a political decision?
Yes. Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s cardinal Secretary of state, justified the decision with the strengthening of the proclamation of the gospel in China, but the statement of a state of hidden political motive. You can criticize, of course. Here, one must be aware of the fact that it has a political decision and not a Church or religious traded.
Christians and other believers to be observed in China with suspicion
What is the political motive?
The Vatican wanted to preserve the right to Bishop’s appointments. How can it be that the Catholic Church can’t have a say as a world Church in China, the appointment of clergy? The previous Non-recognition of the bishops in China by Rome was, therefore, claim a Demonstration of power.
The new scheme should look like so that China presents a list of candidates is then approved by the Vatican. So the right to the Bishop’s appointment could be exercised again legitimately by the Holy see. In the world of politics, the restoration of sovereignty would thus be achieved. Of course, it is always good when both parties agree on a candidate. It becomes problematic then, if no agreement can be reached.
In addition, the supporters of the Pope, the life in the underground with their Religion, so it is called get, more room. This has made the Vatican have always been strong.
What is the meaning of the agreement for the freedom of religion in China?
Here it is necessary to consider the larger context. In the past years and decades followed China a rigid line against all religions. The Catholic Church is just one of them. The Vatican has used in the last few years, and anywhere in the world for the fundamental freedom of religion. For example, for more rights for the Muslim minority, the Uighurs in China.
I see in the latest agreement, however, no indication for the improvement of freedom of religion. If the underground Catholics better, but at the same time, other religious communities will be put under pressure, stood the Vatican before the Dilemma: do I Explain myself then in solidarity with others in Distress with the believers or not? I think that, ultimately, the Vatican, the loser will be, no matter what claims to enforce it now.
Why had not yet read much about the Details of the agreement?
Negotiations behind closed doors leave room for rumors. Secrecy does not make a good impression, and creates distrust. Even if China and the Catholic Church have referred to the talks as a “trust”, remains a reasonable doubt, precisely because the specific Details are not disclosed. This doubt is damaging to the credibility of the Church and the Chinese government.
The Vatican is so far, the last allies of the island Republic of Taiwan in Europe. It is China, Taiwan, succeed in isolating foreign policy more?
This, in turn, is primarily a political question. For years, China is negotiating with the Vatican on establishing diplomatic relations. The Vatican always has two hats. Time the state, the Church negotiated to get the Maximum out of the talks. That doesn’t make the negotiations easier.
Depending on the Status of the negotiations and the state of health of the Pope the Pope’s visit would be in China the next step. This depends, of course, also the good will on both sides. In the process, Taiwan can not say unfortunately. The Catholic Church in Taiwan will have to accept the decision of the Pope.
Kung Lap Yan is a Junior Professor for theology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The Interview leads Phoebe Kong.