authorities demolished Youtong underground church

The operation took place because the local priest refused to join the Chinese Communist Party-controlled Catholic Patriotic Association. Of the more than 100 priests in the diocese, Father Dong Baolu is the only one who has not submitted to the CCP. In China, religious can only exercise their functions if they adhere to “official” bodies.

Rome () – The Chinese authorities demolished the church in the village of Youtong, belonging to the diocese of Zhengding (Hebei), where the faithful of the unofficial (underground) community gathered. Radio Free Asia reported the incident, which occurred last month. The authorities demolished the place of worship (which operated in a large tent) because the local priest, Father Dong Baolu, refused to join the Chinese Communist Party’s Catholic Patriotic Association.

In February 2018, the Party imposed the “New Regulation of Religious Activities“, according to which religious personnel can only perform their duties if they adhere to “official” bodies and submit to the PCC.

The prayer space was torn down while Father Dong, who suffers from motor problems, was hospitalized for a health check. The priest explains that of the 100 parish priests in the diocese, he is the only one who has not sworn allegiance to the official Church controlled by the Party.

Despite the fact that the Sino-Vatican Agreement on the appointment of bishops was signed in 2018 -subsequently renewed in October 2020-, the persecution of the Catholic community, especially the underground, has not ceased.

On the contrary, after Xi Jinping ordered to crack down on the activities of all religious groups, the Chinese Catholics’ room for maneuver has been shrinking more and more. On June 1 came into force the “Measures for the financial management of religious sites”. From the first of March, the regime adopted the “Administrative Rules for Religious Information Services on the Internet”.

In February, the State Administration for Religious Affairs, a government entity under the control of the United Front of the CCP, released the “Administrative Measures for Religious Personnel”, a document on the management of clergy, monks, priests, bishops, etc.

In a recent interview with ReutersPope Francis expressed his wish that the agreement with the Chinese government – which expires in October – be renewed soon.

(Photo: RFA)