Persecution

Vatican, China make breakthrough deal on bishop appointments - AP
The AP reports: "The Vatican and China said Saturday they had signed a 'provisional agreement' over the appointment of bishops, a breakthrough on an issue that stymied diplomatic relations for decades and aggravated a split among Chinese Catholics. The deal resolved one of the major sticking points in recent years, with the Vatican agreeing to accept seven bishops who were previously named by Beijing without the pope’s consent. [...] With the status of the seven bishops now reconciled, the Vatican said all bishops in China are now in communion with Rome — even though the Catholic community in China is still split between Catholics who belong to the official Chinese church and those in the underground church who remain loyal to the pope. [...] This spring, a 5-year plan regarding Christians was introduced, along with new rules on religious affairs. Over the last few months, local governments across China have shut down hundreds of private Christian 'house churches.' The Vatican spokesman indicated there was still some ways to go for better relations between the Catholic Church and China."

Comment: Interesting development. Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in China.