The great persecution of Christians continues...
A prominent leader of the underground Catholic Church in China has been arrested for the 6th time in the past 18 months, the Cardinal Kung Foundation reports.
The arrest comes at a time when Vatican officials had expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for improving relations with China. The government's recognition of a bishop approved by the Vatican, and the release of a priest from the underground Church, had stirred hopes for an easing of restraints on religious freedom.
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Bishop Jia, who is 70 years old, has spent roughly 20 years in prison. In recent years he has lived with, and cared for, handicapped orphans, while under constant surveillance by government agents. Since he is not recognized by the government as a bishop, his religious activities are technically illegal and police frequently disrupt his ministry by taking him into custody just prior to Christmas, Easter, and other feasts. He has been arrested repeatedly, usually released shortly after being taken into custody. The most recent such arrests were in mid-December 2004 and early January 2005.
Isn't this amazing? Please join me in praying for this dear precious brother. Read the rest of the article.
