Episcopal Ordination in the Diocese of Shantou, mainland China
(July 16, 2011) The Holy See on Saturday issued the following clarifications with
reference to the episcopal ordination of the Reverend Joseph Huang Bingzhang which
took place on Thursday, 14 July 2011:The Reverend Joseph Huang Bingzhang, having been
ordained without papal mandate and hence illicitly, has incurred the sanctions laid
down by canon 1382 of the Code of Canon Law. Consequently, the Holy See does not
recognize him as Bishop of the Diocese of Shantou, and he lacks authority to govern
the Catholic community of the Diocese. The Reverend Huang Bingzhang had been informed
some time ago that he could not be approved by the Holy See as an episcopal candidate,
inasmuch as the Diocese of Shantou already has a legitimate Bishop; Reverend Huang
had been asked on numerous occasions not to accept episcopal ordination. From various
sources the Holy See had knowledge of the fact that some Bishops, contacted by the
civil authorities, had expressed their unwillingness to take part in an illicit ordination
and also offered various forms of resistance, yet were reportedly obliged to take
part in the ordination. With regard to this resistance, it should be noted that it
is meritorious before God and calls for appreciation on the part of the whole Church.
Equal appreciation is also due to those priests, consecrated persons and members of
the faithful who have defended their pastors, accompanying them by their prayers at
this difficult time and sharing in their deep suffering. The Holy See reaffirms the
right of Chinese Catholics to be able to act freely, following their consciences and
remaining faithful to the Successor of Peter and in communion with the universal Church.The
Holy Father, having learned of these events, once again deplores the manner in which
the Church in China is being treated and hopes that the present difficulties can be
overcome as soon as possible.