ASIA/CHINA - Faith Magazine editor tells Fides: “The Papal Letter is an historic event for the Church in China and for relations between China and the Holy See. The Letter will promote unity among Catholics in China”

Beijing (Agenzia Fides) - “The Papal Letter is an historic event for the Church in China and for relations between China and the Holy See. It will also affect the future of the Church in China and promote unity among all Chinese Catholics” Rev Zhang Shi Jiang, founder and editor of Faith Magazine issued by Catholics in Hebei told Fides. He was speaking on the day the Papal Letter was made public. “This is the first time since 1949 that a Pope has written to Chinese Catholics intervening directly on matters and aspects of the life of the Church in China” said Rev Zhang Shi Jiang, who underlined the importance of the Chinese presentation of the Letter on the Holy See web site. With regard to the reaction of the faithful, the clergy and the civil society Rev Zhang said: “The Letter will require in depth reading to understand and apply all it contains which is deeply theological since it was written by a Pope theological and philosopher. It cannot be read or understood in a short time. Even to read it is a challenge. Not all of us priests have a copy yet but we hope it will make us more united and more active for the good of the Church and solve our difficulties and differences and help us to walk together towards the same goal”. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 02/7/2007 - righe 17, parole 254)