The State Department’s latest International Religious Freedom report estimates that China is home to 12 million Catholics. A report on China from Freedom House suggests that persecution of Catholics is on a downward trend, but that religious persecution overall is still rising. Any Vatican deal with Beijing will also affect religious freedom in Taiwan. Before signing a deal with Beijing, the Vatican should think seriously about the message that act would send regarding its concern for religious freedom in China. Any decision should be made with the primary goal of advancing religious freedom for all.

Source: Forbes September 14, 2018 21:33 UTC