Speaking at a conference in Rome on 16th-century Jesuit missionary Father Matteo Ricci, Chow emphasised the need for collaboration with China's ruling and intellectual class amid ongoing efforts to "sinicize" the church in China.

Chow (pictured) noted that Ricci, renowned for his ability to bridge Christianity with Chinese culture, succeeded in presenting Christianity as a compatible belief rather than a threat.

"Christianity was not seen as a heresy to Chinese culture, but a novel teaching compatible with Chinese culture."

However, Chow highlighted that the church's later prohibition of ancestor worship led to government suppression as it clashed with a key cultural value.

Under communist rule, particularly in its early years, the Catholic Church faced severe oppression. Efforts to purge Western influences as part of forming a national identity resulted in the church being viewed as foreign. "And unfortunately, the Catholic Church was seen as a part of the Western world" the cardinal explained.

Constructive dialogue

Chow stressed that current efforts to "sinicize" the church require constructive dialogue with China.

"Maybe there is a way that the church in China can really be a Chinese church. If we do it well and pray to the Holy Spirit to enlighten both sides" Chow said. "The Holy Spirit is not restricted to Catholics, and it is open to the truth."

Chow expressed optimism that the Church could harmonise with Chinese culture through prayer and collaboration. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the Church's core beliefs while fostering integration.

"Sinicization is not going to go away" he said. "It is here, so we need to engage in dialogue."

Chow said that beyond discussions about inculturation, "the Catholic Church, as well as the Protestant Church, have always been seen until now as foreign religions". As a result "the government is stepping in to say 'You're going to become a Chinese religion', but of course we may not agree on the same process, so that's why we need dialogue".

Sources

UCA News

CathNews New Zealand

These workshops are crucial in shaping discussions at the synod, which aims to make the Church more inclusive and participatory. This reflects the themes outlined in the Vatican's guiding document "Instrumentum Laboris".

Europe

In Europe, bishops will meet in Austria (August 29-31) to discuss how diversity can strengthen the Church amidst cultural challenges.

Pastoral theologian Klara-Antonia Csiszar said that diversity at all levels within the Catholic Church will be a key focus area of the meeting.

"We have attached importance to how diversity can be perceived in Europe" Csiszar said. "What message does this diversity have for the Church in Europe, what does it mean for our local churches, [and] what voice does the Church in Europe play in the symphony of the universal Church?"

Asia

The workshops in Bangkok (August 5-8) focused on fostering unity among diverse religious traditions in Asia. This is critical in a continent marked by significant religious plurality.

"Asia has nurtured a diversity of cultures and religions and, by embracing harmony, mutual appreciation and respect for differences, we can help the universal Church understand more about the experience of walking together amidst diversity" Cardinal Stephen Chow said.

Latin America

Latin American bishops met in Colombia (August 9-11) to examine the relationship between synodality and the Church's evangelising mission. They strongly emphasised areas facing social and economic hardships.

Archbishop of Caracas in Venezuela, Monsignor Raúl Biord, stated "Reducing mission to a missionary pastoral care as proposed in many of our diocesan organisational charts is unfocused and impoverishing".

"The true goal of synodality is the mission to which we are called (by the mandate of the Risen One), in which we are involved (from the Trinitarian dynamic) and committed (by baptism and the sacraments of Christian initiation)."

Africa

Discussions in Africa, at a meeting in Kenya (April 23-26), centred on integrating local cultural values into the Church's mission. This focus on community and interconnectedness could enrich the Church's approach to synodality and mission on the continent.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of SECAM and archbishop of Kinshasa, said "There was consensus among delegates that Africa must embrace the experience of Small Christian Communities and the rich philosophical principles of Ubuntu, which highlight the values of family, fraternity and solidarity".

These regional workshops align with Pope Francis' vision of a Church that listens and responds to its global community.

The October synod will bring together Church leaders and laypeople to discuss these themes further. Together, they will aim to shape the future direction of the global Church.

Sources

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

Joseph Li, the state-appointed archbishop of Beijing, will take a five-day trip to Hong Kong starting Nov 14 at the invitation of the city's newly appointed cardinal Stephen Chow, according to a statement from the Hong Kong diocese.

Chow made the invitation during his landmark trip to Beijing in April — the first visit to the Chinese capital by the city's bishop in nearly three decades — in a symbolic gesture that experts said could strengthen the fragile relationship between China and the Vatican.

Read More

"I think it is important that we say that Pope Francis made a distinction. Evangelisation is really to help people to understand the love of God — and the love of God without the agenda of turning them into Catholics. Because that shouldn't be the focus, as that focus would be very restrictive," Chow said.

During an interview in Rome on September 28, Chow (pictured) referenced Pope Francis' distinction between "evangelisation" and "proselytism".

"Evangelisation is essentially witness," Francis told the Jesuits in Mozambique in 2019. "Proselytising is convincing, but it is all about membership and takes your freedom away."

Cardinal Chow echoed this sentiment. He emphasised that the focus of evangelisation should be on helping people understand God's love as a source of goodwill and a better life.

"And it does not begin by trying to convince others, but by witnessing every day to the beauty of the love that has looked upon us and lifted us up," he said.

Religious restrictions in China

Considering increased religious restrictions in China, Cardinal Chow's message of evangelisation there has added significance.

Catholic priests can minister only in recognised places of worship. People under the age of 18 are prohibited from entering.

Recent government measures further limit religious activities to government-approved venues. The display of religious symbols outdoors is banned and requires preaching to align with "core socialist values".

Despite these challenges, two mainland Chinese bishops have been permitted to travel to Rome to participate in the Synod on Synodality assembly in October. There, Cardinal Chow will serve as a synod delegate, personally nominated by Pope Francis.

Cardinal Chow said he is "excited that the laypeople - men and women - and religious are represented as full voting members."

Sources

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand