Chinese police desecrate grave of priest with sledgehammer

On March 19, 2012 Chinese police destroyed the tombstone of Father Joseph Shi Liming, a priest of the "underground" Church in China, with a sledgehammer who taught in the clandestine seminary in Baoding.  The day marked the 100th anniversary of his death in a car accident.

The faithful in China are saying, "Beijing is even afraid of the dead."

Archbishop calls for release of Bishops and priests held by Chinese government

In an interview with Asia News, His Excellency the Most Reverend Savio Hon Tai-fai, Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, spoke of the persecution of Christians in China, saying.  He said:

The news of arrests, disappearances, detention in forced labour camps or house arrest of bishops or priests, is quite damaging for China. If these people have done something wrong, please send them to court, not to prison or isolation. This mode does not solve any problems and damages China’s international image.

Archbishop Savio Hon recently called for the release of nine Bishops and priests currently held by the Chinese government, eight of whom are part of the "underground" Church that it is not recognized by the government.  China refuses to acknowlege their captivity.