Several interesting things are happening with the Catholic Church.
First, in what could be considered a step backward in China / Vatican relations, China is set to ordain a new bishop who has not been approved by the Pope. In 1951, China instituted a Chinese version of the Roman Catholic church, and since then, Catholics are only allowed to worship in official state Catholic churches. The state-sponsored Catholic Church ordained its own clergy without approval from Rome. Recently, however, relations had improved, with the Chinese Catholic Church ordaining several bishops that had been quietly approved by the Holy See. That China now appears to be reversing course is, of course, of concern to the Vatican.
To read the AP story, click HERE.
This issue was a topic of discussion as the Cardinals met at the Vatican earlier Friday. According to a Vatican Information Service release, this meeting, part of the consistory at which twenty-four new cardinals will be created, also focused on religious freedom.
Of note in the article below, is the demographic description of the Cardinals. The article notes that 40% of the College of Cardinals have been chosen by Pope Benedict. By selecting “conservative, tradition-minded prelates” the Pope is virtually ensuring that the Catholic Church will continue along a conservative path. Also worth noting is that twenty-five of the one-hundred-twenty-one Cardinals who are eligible to vote are Italian.
To read the AP story, click HERE.
Finally, a previous TwoMinuteBriefing noted that several priests from the Church of England had announced that they were moving their church membership to the Catholic Church. The article notes that 50 Anglican priests have are planning to make this move. Under rules established by the Vatican, these priests, even if married, will be allowed to function as priests in the Catholic Church. This is a trend worth watching.
To read the Telegraph story, click HERE.
