Chinese bishops reflect on faith, Synodality at Vatican Synod

Two Chinese bishops, Joseph Yang Yongqiang and Vincent Zhan Silu, shared their reflections and greetings with Pope Francis and Synod delegates during the ongoing Synod on Synodality at the Vatican in October 2024.

Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, emphasized the unity of the global Catholic Church, saying, "The Church in China is the same as the Catholic Church worldwide: we share the same faith, the same baptism, and are all faithful to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church."

The presence of the two bishops from mainland China at this 16th Ordinary General Assembly marks the third time Chinese bishops have participated in a Synod, following their involvement in the 2018 Synod on Youth and the first session of the Synod on Synodality in 2023.

Chinese bishops were absent from such gatherings until the 2018 provisional agreement between the Holy See and China allowed for greater participation.

Reflecting on China’s engagement with the Universal Church, Bishop Yang noted, “We embrace the spirit of becoming all things to all people. We adapt, serve society, and support the sinicization of Catholicism while preaching the Good News. The Church in China fosters global exchanges based on equality, respect, and mutual friendship, discussing evangelism, pastoral care, and social services.”

He invited Catholic communities worldwide to visit China, highlighting the Church’s openness to global dialogue and cooperation.

Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu of Xiapu (Funing), Fujian Province, spoke on the historical challenges of evangelization in China, referencing Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci’s efforts to adapt Christianity to local cultures.

He reflected on the complexities of preserving Christian authenticity during these early missionary efforts, which led to the Rites Controversy in the diocese of Mindong.

Bishop Zhan emphasized that being a synodal Church involves honoring diverse voices, cultures, and traditions as part of humanity’s journey toward God.

He urged the Chinese Church to approach contemporary challenges, such as mixed marriages, local laws, and confusion between traditional beliefs and Catholic teachings, with a fresh perspective.

“In this new era, the Church has been entrusted with a task of discernment,” Bishop Zhan concluded. “We must humbly learn from both history and contemporary experiences to recognize the Holy Spirit’s often gentle and quiet voice, guiding us toward the future path of evangelization.”