Non-Compliant Catholic Bishop Rearrested

Peter Shao Zhumin, a Catholic priest who was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as an auxiliary bishop, became the bishop of the Diocese of Wenzhou in 2016. However, over the years, Bishop Shao has stood in opposition to the dictates of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Not acknowledging its authority over the church, he refused to join the state-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. In response, the official association appointed a different bishop to replace him; however, many members of the diocese do not recognize the association's appointment.

Bishop Shao has been arrested on at least two prior occasions because of his refusal to yield to the Chinese Communist Party. The most recent incident arose after he publicly celebrated mass on December 27th. Authorities of the CCP imposed a fine of 200,000 yuan (around $40,000 CAD) which the church leader challenged, insisting that no laws were violated. In response, police officials from the Public Security Bureau arrested him on March 7th, claiming that the arrest was for his own safety.

In recent years, opposition from Chinese security officials against unregistered religious groups has intensified. Plain clothes officers regularly attend unregistered churches to ban children and teenagers from entering, or to prevent services from taking place altogether. In recent social media posts, the CCP has publicly celebrated its increase in governmental persecution of religious minorities throughout 2024, referencing the party's "intensified efforts to dismantle cult organizations." The term "cult" is used to describe beliefs deemed anti-government or those that fail to comply with the principles of the CCP. Based on recent trends, this increased persecution is expected to continue during 2025. To learn more about the various trials facing Chinese Christians, and/or to review previously posted Persecution & Prayer Alert reports, see our country profile.

• Please prayerfully uphold Bishop Shao as he now deals with this most recent incident of persecution, asking the Lord to advocate on his behalf.
• In the midst of governmental opposition, may this faithful church leader – along with the many other arrested/fined Christians throughout China – remain strong in their resolve to honour God in both word and deed.
• Pray for a spiritual awakening to take place among CCP leaders and local officials who actively oppose Christianity, so that they too would yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.