Between God and Caesar: The Catholic Bishops’ Election and Consecration in China

Abstract

The appointment of Chinese bishops of the Catholic Church is generally considered as the biggest obstacle in the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and the Vatican. However, due to the special nature of the identity and status of Catholic bishops, there are continuous confrontations and gaming between the Vatican and the Chinese Government as well as its religious administrative department, manifested as confrontations between religious social groups and the administrative power, between the principle of Catholic hierarchy and the principle of independence and autonomy in the self-management of the Church. The root of these confrontations lies in the competition for the leadership and appointment of future Catholic Church leaders. Therefore, in this context, the state–society relationship is strained, as reflected by the interactions between the Catholic Church in China and the government. The Catholic Church is faced with a choice between God and Caesar. Such a situation, even if China and the Vatican could reach an agreement on the appointment of bishops, will not change and confrontations are likely to occur.