Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association
In November 1951, a "Declaration of Independence and Reform of the Catholic Church," signed by Father Wang Liangzuo in Sichuan Province and some 500 Catholics, gained a favorable response from a vast number of Chinese Catholics. At the National Congress of Catholics held in Beijing in 1957, the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association was founded. The congress adopted a constitution and a policy of independence and self-administration in church affairs, and elected Pi Shushi, Archbishop of the Shenyang Diocese, as chairman of the association.
Between 1958 and 1962, the more than 50 dioceses in China elected their own bishops and consecrated them, thus turning the Chinese Catholic Church, which had long been under foreign manipulation, into an independent church administered by Chinese Catholics themselves.
In May 1980, the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association held its third congress in Beijing. A total of 198 bishops, priests and laypeople from 26 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions attended. The congress produced two national organizations for Catholicism: the Chinese Catholic Affairs Committee and the Chinese Catholic Bishops' Conference.
The National Congress of Chinese Catholics is the supreme body for the administration of church affairs. During its recess the Chinese Catholic Affairs Committee is in charge of implementation of its decisions. The Chinese Catholic Bishops' Conference is composed of the bishops of various dioceses. Its tasks are to study and interpret the Catholic creed and canon, exchange experiences in missionary work and promote friendly ties with Catholics abroad.
After the "cultural revolution," Chinese Catholics resumed their religious activities. On Sundays, during Lent and at Christmas they attend Mass. The churches also perform wedding ceremonies and give Requiem Masses.
The Chinese Catholic Church across the country and the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association have been hosts to Catholic clergy and laypeople from abroad. In addition, the Association and its chapters have sorted the historical materials for the Catholic Church. Among the various journals they publish, Chinese Catholicism is a national publication.
