Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

I will outline the genesis of the Patriotic Association of the Catholic Church as well as the main goals that organization pursue. I will emphasize the role of history in the current functioning of the Patriotic Association of the Catholic Church. I will isolate and characterize the critical points in the organization’s relations with the Vatican. I will discuss the problem of Taiwan, stressing that this is the main axis of the dispute in the relations of the Patriotic Association of the Catholic Church with the Holy See. I will examine the relations of the underground church in China with the Patriotic Association of the Catholic Church, noting that they are inseparable from the political goals of the authorities in China over the years. I will prove that one cannot speak exclusively about constant fighting against religion in China. The intensity of anti-Catholic activities is related to the political goals of the particular administrations. It is also important to emphasize the changing political approach of the Holy See towards the Asian Powers. I will outline the anticipated future of the relations of the Patriotic Association of the Catholic Church with the Holy See.