Chinese government says it will keep a firm grip on Catholic Church

Beijing and Vatican remain at odds over control of the Church.

China plans to maintain a tight grip on the Catholic Church according to UCANews. The intention comes from Yu Zhengsheng who is a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, and is responsible for monitoring religious activities in China.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Yu spoke to about 100 bishops, priests, nuns and laity in Beijing on July 19, addressing the topic of who would ultimately control the Catholic Church in China. Yu explained that the government would maintain their grip on the Church "to ensure that the leadership of the Chinese Catholic Church is held firmly in the hands of those who love the nation and the religion.

In China, nationalism comes before all other allegiance, which has led to considerable conflict between the Church and Chinese government. At present, bishops are appointed by the government to ensure their control.

China's government is communist, which is an atheistic, secular system of philosophy, government, and economics. As such, religion is at odds with many of the opinions of the Chinese Communist party. Historically, the Catholic Church and the Chinese Communists have been adversaries.

Despite this history, the Church has made progress in China, gaining favor with the government. Negotiations are ongoing for China to formerly establish normal diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

However, there is a conflict over the fate of bishops appointed by Beijing. This debate has hindered progress between Beijing and the Vatican.

The Chinese Catholic Church is overseen by the National Congress of Catholic Representatives. This organization answers to Beijing, not the Vatican.

There are also Catholics in China which have no allegiance to Beijing as far as their faith is concerned. These Catholics are often subject to persecution.