Chinese Bishop and Priests Released for Lunar New Year

UCA News ^ | 2/8/19

[marshmallow]

Unwell Bishop Cui Tai allowed to visit sister amid fears he and others will be detained again after festival

A bishop and two priests of the underground community of Hebei province in northern China who had been detained last year were able to go home for the Lunar New Year.

They were Coadjutor Bishop Cui Tai, Father Su Guipeng and Father Zhao He of Xuanhua Diocese.

Bishop Cui had not been seen since mid-April last year and his whereabouts were unknown.

A source named John told ucanews.com that the bishop was allowed to go home on Jan. 24 to visit his elderly sister for the Lunar New Year but was banned from management of religious activities.

Bishop Cui, 68, who has been in poor health in recent years, is weak due to severe gastritis and weighs only 52 kilograms.

Father Zhao, who serves Dongcheng Catholic Church, was taken away by United Front Work Department (UFWD) personnel of Yangyuan County last October and detained at a hotel to learn the government’s new religious policy. He was also allowed to go home on Jan. 24.

Father Su, who serves Shadifang parish, was placed under home arrest last October so that he could be indoctrinated on government policies.

John said Father Su went home on Dec. 21 but was banned from management of parish affairs.

Another source, Peter, told ucanews.com that the government had allowed the bishop and priests to stay at home for the Lunar New Year but they must not organize or participate in any religious activities and be contactable by authorities at all times.

“As for what happens after Lunar New Year, it is very likely that they will be house arrested again,” Peter said.

[mosesdapoet]

Francis orders China clergy to do this
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3725307/posts