Sources says two Chinese bishops detained, pressured to register

Published: 2003-10-14

HONG KONG (CNS) -- Two elderly bishops in northern China reportedly were detained by police, who pressed them to register with the local Catholic Patriotic Association. Church sources in China Oct. 13 told UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, that on Oct. 2 police took into custody Bishop Peter Zhao Zhendong of Xuanhua and Auxiliary Bishop Yao Liang of Xiwanzi (Siwantze) in Hebei province. Neither bishop is affiliated with the government-approved church, or Patriotic Association, UCA News reported. The sources said Bishop Zhao, 83, was released Oct. 11, but there was no news on the release of Bishop Yao, who is about 80.

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