Chinese Priests "Disappeared" after State Indoctrination
China - Hebei: Asia News reports that four underground priests have disappeared in police custody. Two of the priests belong to the ancient Diocese of Xiwanzi; the other two to that of Xuanhua. All four priests were taken from their churches to a nearby hotel to be indoctrinated in the religious policy of the Chinese government because they refused to enrol in the Patriotic Association , which aims to create a Church independent of the Holy See. Meanwhile, in Shangcai (Henan), the cross of the bell tower of the church and some of the building's spires have been destroyed. Since China and the Vatican signed an agreement on the appointment of bishops, with which - at least in theory - the Pope is recognized as head of the Catholic Church - the Patriotic Association and the United Front have been waging a campaign to remind all priests that the Church in China "despite the agreement", is "independent" and as a requirement of their commitment to thi...