There is growing international concern over the fate of Bishop Joseph Zhang Weizhu, the bishop of the Apostolic Prefecture of Xinxiang in China, arrested by the Chinese Communist authorities shortly before Pentecost along with seven priests and ten seminarians. China has never recognised the Xinxiang Prefecture in the north-western province of Henan, which today has approximately 100,000 faithful, since it was established in 1945. Bishop Zhang, 63, was ordained in 1991 and appointed by the Vatican. According to a new decree which came into force on 1 May, listed as “Decree No 15” by the ruling Chinese Communist Party, clerics of all religions are now required to ask permission in advance to carry out religious activities.
Concern grows over arrested Chinese Catholics
Concern grows over arrested Chinese Catholics
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