[digitalcraft]

The discrimination the catholic church in China suffers is hardly talked about. The intimidation by the Chinese state on the church is incredible and many members have been killed or incarcerated for maintaining the independence of the church from the Chinese state.

On human terms it makes no sense to continue church operations in china just like some companies pulling out of china, but the church has not run on those terms.

For centuries the church and her members in China struggled to maintain their identity in the face of discrimination, and there has been progress even though small. I don't think it makes sense to let go of a winning strategy albeit a slow one given the conditions.

[tibbydudeza]

The state sanctioned church "Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association" has only in 2018 acknowledged that the Vatican can veto the appointment of their bishops.

I guess he did not want to upset them after this major concession.

[jacquesm]

Churches and governments through the ages have always been at odds about this because both are power structures and the Chinese government - unlike many other governments - does not subscribe to any form of power sharing at all. If you look at the role of the Catholic church in Poland during the end of the Communist time then you can understand why: without support of the Church there is a good chance that Solidarity would have been nipped in the bud.

[paganel]

Exactly, this is a centuries-long strategy adopted by the Catholic Church.