Easter Sunday with Catholics in Shanghai

In China, Catholic churches must operate in careful negotiations between the Chinese government and the Vatican. Today, it’s Easter! And the Resurrection reflects the renewed hope and positivity that China and the Vatican will reach a peaceful agreement soon.

Video Transcript

Narrator: Shanghai, a busy city of over 24 million people. One of the top most populated cities in the world. Amidst the skyscrapers, shopping malls, and temples, sits a Catholic church.

Shanghai, China.

Narrator: In China, Catholic churches must operate in careful negotiation between the Chinese government and Rome.

Priest in Chinese: I would like to invite all Catholics, everywhere, at this moment, to pray together.

Narrator: The two parties are still healing a rift that goes back as far as the 1940s. Catholicism in China was divided between the government-sanctioned church and the underground churches in communion with Rome.

But recently these two groups have started formal negotiations with each other.

(Singing)

Narrator: Starting in 2014, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, or CCPA, and the Vatican have begun talks around the appointment and confirmation of bishops.

There are still many points to be settled and a journey of serious discussion lies ahead.

(Singing)

Narrator: The Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association is starting to acknowledge the Pope as the leader of the Catholic Church.

(Singing)

Narrator: They are still in disagreement on how local bishops will be selected.

(Singing)

Narrator: In 2012, the Rome-associated bishop in Shanghai was placed under house arrest, though his influence in the community can still be felt.

(Singing)

Narrator: But today it’s Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus reflects the renewed hope and positivity that China and the Vatican will find a peaceful agreement soon.

Live bold. (Church bells)