The People's Republic of China versus the Holy See

Liu Xinhong on Wednesday morning was consecrated as bishop of Wuhu, in Anhui Province, under the rules of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. Bishops loyal to the Patriotic Association also consecrated Ma Yinling on Sunday as bishop of Kunming. Here's the politics. Remember "separation of church and state"? Remember opponents of Catholic John F. Kennedy circulated rumours that if he were elected American president, Kennedy would have to defer to the Pope? On the other hand, remember "freedom of association"? Or "freedom of religion"? Very few governments in the world dare to fight, impede or oppose the Roman Catholic Church. The Soviets are rumoured to have directed Bulgarian spies to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981. In El Salvador, Archbishop Oscar Romero was indeed assassinated in 1980. Well, in Communist China, Chairman Mao was serious about allowing freedom of religion and enacting a separation of church and state. In the People's Republic, one is supposed to register as a Catholic in the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. Notice "Roman" is missing. Of course, the Roman Catholic Church has many rules and much hierarchy. In April, Peterborough Bishop Nicola De Angelis excommunicated Reverend Ed Cachia for his support for nine women ordained on a boat on the St. Lawrence River last July. As the Roman Catholic Church can excommunicate, the Church also consecrate. In March, Pope Benedict XVI appointed as Cardinal, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Bishop of Hong Kong. Who has the right to appoint or elect bishops in Communist China? That's the question. Typically His Holiness the Pope appoints. In China, members of the diocese elect their bishop. How to answer this question, among many, will be key to establishing official diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China.