Document Type

Journal Article

Department/Unit

Department of Religion and Philosophy

Language

English

Abstract

This study examines church–state relations in Mindong diocese, Fujian province, from the perspective of state–society relations. The article seeks to identify the salient patterns of church–state relations in Mindong diocese, and the social factors that contribute to the formation of such patterns. I elaborate on the essential characteristics of the Mindong model in the paper. I argue that the three key factors affecting church–state relations in Mindong diocese are the competition between the open and underground churches, the mediating role of the Vatican, and the pragmatism of local government officials. I describe the Mindong model as a “negotiated resistance,” meaning that the underground church resists the control of the government and seeks organizational autonomy through continued negotiation with officials of the government. In conclusion, I discuss the implications of this church–state model in advancing religious freedom in Chinese society.

Keywords

Catholic church, church–state relations, Mindong, negotiated resistance, religious freedom, China

Publication Date

2012

Source Publication Title

The China Quarterly

Volume

212

Start Page

982

End Page

999

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Peer Reviewed

1

DOI

10.1017/S0305741012001178

Link to Publisher's Edition

https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0305741012001178

ISSN (print)

03057410

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