China’s acceptance of Vatican-approved bishop candidates ‘a positive sign’

Father Anthony Yao Shun and Father Stephen Xu Hongwei have been elected in Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi province

They were the first bishop elections since provisional agreement was signed in September

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Members of the clergy, nuns and laymen have taken part in what the authorities called “democratic voting” on bishop candidates. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:30pm, 16 Apr 2019Updated: 2:20am, 17 Apr 2019

Beijing’s acceptance of two Vatican-approved bishop candidates from Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi sends a “cautiously positive” signal over their controversial agreement ahead of Good Friday, experts said.

But they expected new tensions to emerge amid uncertainty over the fate of the unofficial church in China.

The South China Morning Post reported last month that Father Anthony Yao Shun, a former diocese administrator, was tipped to be elected as bishop for Jining in Inner Mongolia.

Recent reports by Catholic news agencies Ucanews.com and Asianews.it confirmed that Father Yao had been elected as bishop on April 9, and Father Stephen Xu Hongwei of Hanzhong diocese in Shaanxi province was also elected as a coadjutor bishop on April 11. Xu will assist Bishop Aloysius Yu Runshen. Although they have been elected, they have yet to be installed as bishops.

Father Anthony Yao Shun was elected as bishop for Jining, Inner Mongolia. Photo: Handout

Sources said both elections were held in hotels rather than the local bishops’ residences.

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