Nearly 100 Catholics protested the demolition of a church in China, after authorities demolished the building claiming it was occupying land illegally.
According to UCA news, the church in Zhifang village of Lauyu district of Xian city in Shaanxi province was demolished, without the diocese permission, on 27 December. Bishop Wu Qinjing of Zhouzhi on issued a statement later that day saying local government officials had come to the diocese to apologise and that the diocese had set up a special team to negotiate with the government to resolve the incident.
“The negotiation is ongoing and will be handed over to the relevant priest,” he told ucanews.com.
Local Catholics used social media to show photos of the demolition and attached official documents that approved the church for worship. One document also showed that local officials had given the church permission to use the land for building.
A source said on social media site 'WeChat' that a motorway had been built near the church and the government intended to develop the area into a scenic spot.
“Therefore, the church’s land became highly beneficial and was rapidly demolished under the pretext of economic development,” the source wrote.
PICTURE: The church and demolition site ©WeChat
Loading ...
