Good article in the Telegraph (UK). A terrible situation for all.
Father Dong Baolu’s flock were gathered outdoors beside a row of foul-smelling lavatories. They had no choice but to worship in this furtive way, as China does not recognise these so-called “house churches”.
Even so, the congregation stayed for two hours, singing hymns and clasping their hands in prayer.
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Across China, about six million Catholics have refused to join churches sanctioned by the Communist Party and chosen instead to worship in house churches, where they remain loyal to the Vatican.
In Shijiazhuang, a Catholic bishop who is unrecognised by the authorities, Jia Zhiguo, lives under strict surveillance.
The regime has escalated its suppression of house churches, toppling crosses from places of worship and forcing followers deeper underground.
Meanwhile, another six million people are members of the Catholic Patriotic Association, a Communist Party-controlled body which does not display images of Pope Francis.
The Vatican is pursuing friendly relations with Beijing as it believes it can do more to protect Chinese Catholics if it increases its involvement in the country via a unified Church.
An agreement between the two sides could also see diplomatic relations re-established between the Holy See and Beijing, which would be considered a breakthrough in Rome.
Fr Dong has been detained “many times” by authorities, and the open air Mass that was visited by The Telegraph was moved into his home the following week, amid fear that it would be shut down by authorities.
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