Priest says as China opens markets it tightens control over religion

Published: 2003-10-31

ROME (CNS) -- As China opens its markets to the world, it clutches onto control over the religious lives of its people with even greater strength, said a missionary who lived there. Father Bernardo Cervellera, who lived in Hong Kong for years before teaching in Beijing from 1995 to 1997, said there is a growing desire for religion among the Chinese and a huge interest in Christianity. Yet, he said at an Oct. 30 press conference, as the government opens economically to the West, it has launched new campaigns of repression against religion. The Italian priest, former director of the Vatican's Fides missionary news agency, spoke at a conference marking the release of "China Mission," a book recounting his experiences in the country and looking at recent developments he has followed through continuing contacts with people in China.

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .