(Shanghai, China–November 8, 2023) The Chinese government continues to advance the “sinicization of Catholicism,” a policy that Xi Jinping is implementing to tighten control and continue oppression of government registered religious groups and individuals including Christians and Catholics, in an effort to make the religious groups “obey the party.” Recently, senior officials in the Chinese Catholic Church have expressed their support for the government’s political advocacy for sinicization of religion.
According to China News Service, the state news agency reported that on October 13, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin, who holds multiple official positions including Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, and Bishop of the Shanghai Diocese, stated that sinicization is a directional issue: a signpost and a direction to adapt to the socialist society, as well as an inherent rule and a fundamental requirement for the survival and development of the Catholic Church in China itself.
In an interview, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin said, “Sinicization is not to change religious beliefs, but to better adapt and integrate into society; starting from serving the country for the big picture, to serving the Church’s mission of pastoral evangelization, and to firmly push forward with sinicization.”
Shen Bin further stated that the Chinese Catholic Church, represented by “One Association, One Conference” (referring to the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and the Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China), has always insisted on providing education and guidance to clergy members and believers to enhance their political identification with contemporary Chinese society. And to continuously strengthen ideological and political education centered on patriotism, which is the basis for adhering to the direction of sinicization.
Joseph Shen Bin puts forward three aspects to promote the sinicization of Catholicism, namely, strengthening ideological and political education, comprehensive and strict governance of the Church, and strengthening learning and communication.
The report also stated, Joseph Shen Bin believes that interpreting Catholic doctrine in the context of sinicization is crucial. This means to provide the explanations of theological classics, doctrines and canons that align with the requirements of socialist core values. Through cultural infusion, the Church incorporates elements and characteristics of Chinese culture in church liturgy, architecture, arts and more; aiming to establish a Catholic theological framework with Chinese characteristics, which can be used as a guide to put sinicization of Catholicism into practice.
He informed reporters that they are trying to incorporate traditional Chinese music into newly composed church hymns, elements of traditional Chinese architecture into newly built churches, and so on.
Looking to the future, Joseph Shen Bin expressed the willingness to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the times, inherit and carry on the fine traditions of loving the country and the Church. He is determined to advance the practice of sinicization of religion solidly, making the Chinese Catholic Church a harmonious factor and positive force in the modernization of socialism.
Since its introduction during the Tang Dynasty, Catholicism in China has accumulated many local and authentic experiences while integrating Chinese cultural elements, which has facilitated the spread of its beliefs. In this process, the Church has attempted to use Chinese language, Chinese culture, and Chinese expressions to interpret and study classical religious doctrines, making it easier for Chinese people to accept Catholic doctrines.
As an officially registered bishop in China, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin’s statement regarding sinicization is political in nature, aligning with the government’s official political declaration.
The Chinese government has cautiously recognized certain high-ranking Catholic clergy to ensure that the leadership of the Catholic Church remains firmly in the hands of individuals who “love the country and the Church.” This tactic has effectively instrumentalized Church bodies for political stability.
Bishop Joseph Shen Bin, 53 years of age, was born in Jiangsu. He entered the Suzhou branch of the Sheshan Seminary in Shanghai at the age of 19. After two years, he joined the National Seminary of Catholic Church in China. In 2009, he became the Bishop of Haimen Diocese, recognized by both the Vatican and the Chinese government. He was later elected Vice Chairman of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). In early April this year, he was unilaterally transferred from Haimen Diocese to become the rightful Bishop of the Shanghai Diocese by the Chinese authorities. The Vatican chided Beijing for not consulting them beforehand, violating the bilateral agreement, which deeply disappointed the Pope. However, not long after, the Vatican stiffly approved his appointment as the Bishop of the Shanghai Diocese.
