Political Control and Power Struggles Within the Chinese Catholic Church

(Shanghai – March 19, 2025) In recent years, as the Chinese government has tightened its religious policies, the internal power struggles and political manipulation within the Chinese Catholic Church have become increasingly evident. The appointment of Bishop Joseph Shen Bin was supposed to bring stability to the Diocese of Shanghai, but instead, it has become a symbol of Beijing authorities’ comprehensive control over religion. At the core of this incident is not merely the fate of one bishop but a typical example of China’s restrictions on religious freedom and the manipulation of faith. 

Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin’s Arrest and Unjust Treatment

On July 7, 2012, Thaddeus Ma Daqin was appointed Auxiliary Bishop during his episcopal ordination ceremony. Following the ceremony, he announced his resignation from the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, saying,

“From now on, my mind and body should be entirely devoted to pastoral ministry and evangelism. Some positions are no longer suitable for me, so from the moment of my ordination today, I will no longer serve as a member of the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association.”

Just hours later, the government forcibly placed him under house arrest, subjecting him to surveillance and depriving him of his duties. This act exposed the Chinese government’s strong intervention in religious affairs, indicating that neither Shanghai nor Beijing authorities could tolerate the failure of their religious policies. It also underscored the severe punishment imposed on religious figures who refuse to comply with the regime. Bishop Ma, once a government-favored candidate, became a political scapegoat simply because he chose to remain faithful to his beliefs.

Bishop Joseph Shen Bin’s Rise to Power: The Government’s Tightening Grip on the Church

This incident highlights the absurdity and injustice of China’s religious management system. According to canon law, Bishop Ma’s appointment was entirely legitimate, and the Holy See’s intention was always clear — Thaddeus Ma Daqin was to be the successor among the bishops and the rightful bishop of the Diocese of Shanghai.

However, the Chinese government used the decision of the “Bishops’ Conference of Catholic Church in China,” an organization not recognized by the Vatican, and unilaterally revoked his post and stripped him of his authority through administrative means. Even more absurdly, the government had already made the decision before the official revocation regulation was issued, revealing this as a political maneuver of “retroactive legislation.”

The unilateral revocation of Auxiliary Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin’s appointment (Officials used the title Coadjutor Bishop) by the illegitimate “Bishops’ Conference,” independent of the Vatican, is suspicious and unlawful in itself. The bishops who participated in the consecration ceremony should have defended the “validity” and “legitimacy” of Thaddeus Ma Daqin’s ordination, rather than succumbing to political pressure from the regime.

In stark contrast to Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin is Bishop Joseph Shen Bin, who has received full support from the government. Not only did he assume office smoothly, but he also quickly gained control over the diocese’s administrative and financial powers, implementing a series of reforms. However, the essence of these reforms raises the question — are they genuinely for the welfare of the diocese, or merely a means to strengthen the government’s control over religious affairs?

AsiaNews, citing an article provided by an anonymous Catholic in Shanghai, reported that after Bishop Shen assumed office, he made “significant adjustments to the clergy team, revised salaries, strengthened financial management, and established numerous regulations.” Clearly, this is an active push to implement the policies of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, aligning the diocese’s management more closely with the government’s will. In official reports, these measures are portrayed as signs of the diocese “revitalizing,” but many believers do not see this as a spiritual advancement. Instead, they view it as a symbol of the secularization of religion and the government’s complete control over the church.

The Impact of Political Control on Shanghai’s Catholic Diocese

It is worth noting that Bishop Shen’s appointment did not alleviate Bishop Ma’s predicament; instead, it has further dimmed his prospects. According to the claim of the anonymous Shanghai Catholic, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin could theoretically resolve the situation by “renominating Bishop Ma, allowing him to resume his duties immediately.” However, despite this possibility, two years have passed, and Bishop Shen remains silent. Does this suggest that he choose to be obedient to government policies? More concerningly, could he be cooperating with the authorities to ensure that Bishop Ma never regains his position?

The anonymous Catholic from the Diocese of Shanghai also compared the strengths and weaknesses of the two bishops. “Bishop Ma is known for his deep spirituality and excellent oratory skills, with his sermons widely praised. In contrast, the new bishop’s sermons are criticized for lacking spiritual depth.” The Catholic further wrote, “Bishop Ma is highly respected for his frugality, simple lifestyle, and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries in interpersonal relationships. On the other hand, the new bishop has been criticized for his secularized work style and for appointing trusted associates from his hometown to prominent positions in Shanghai.”

The situation in the Shanghai Diocese is merely a reflection of the broader state of the Chinese Catholic Church. Under the government’s heavy-handed intervention, religious freedom continues to be eroded, and church decisions are increasingly influenced by political factors. Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin’s suffering is not an isolated case but a representation of the plight faced by countless pastors under China’s religious policies.

Faith Under Siege: The Battle Between Religious Integrity and Government Influence in China’s Church

When Bishop Joseph Shen Bin becomes the government’s “exemplary bishop,” when the voices of the catholics are ignored, and when pastors who remain faithful to their beliefs are silenced, one cannot help but ask: Is the future of the Chinese Catholic Church dictated by faith or politics?

In such a system, the faithful in Shanghai are forced to accept the government-imposed “church order,” yet deep within their hearts, they still yearn for true religious freedom. When will this contradiction between repression and the pursuit of faith finally be resolved?

(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)