Critics are questioning the church’s decision to join forces with the atheist, authoritarian Chinese government. Under a provisional agreement, the Vatican will recognise the legitimacy of bishops appointed by Beijing. The deal comes at a time when the ruling Communist Party is cracking down on “illegal” Christian groups in the country. Amnesty International China researcher Read more
China has banned its citizens from visiting the Vatican. The Vatican is a popular destination with Chinese tourists. The recent resumption of diplomatic talks between the Vatican and China has prompted an increase in the flow of tourists-pilgrims. If he realises they are at the Vatican, Pope Francis greets them personally and poses for selfies Read more
The latest verbal sparring between Rome and Beijing could be preliminary moves in which both sides establish the ground rules for future relations. Last week, Pope Francis called on Chinese Catholics to attach themselves to “the rock of Peter on which the Church was built”. This means giving allegiance to Rome, rather than the government-sanctioned Read more
January 1 has come and gone and 2014 is already well on its way. However, in China, Taiwan, Singapore and many countries and communities around the world, the new year is just beginning. Observed on January 31 this year, the Chinese New Year rings in the Year of the Wood Horse, but it’s marked this time Read more
For seven years, Barry Lowe’s parents refused to meet his partner, Sue Pearl. His father had migrated to New Zealand from China in the late 30s and ran a fruit shop with Barry’s grandfather. He brought his wife and an infant Barry over from Hong Kong in the 1950s. They rejected Sue out of fear Read more