Beloved Chinese Bishop Now Under House Arrest

Now in his home, he continues under 24-hour surveillance and is isolated from the priests and faithful of the diocese.

STAMFORD, Connecticut (Zenit.org) - The Chinese bishop arrested on the last day of the Olympics has been returned to his residence, where he is being held under house arrest.

The U.S.-based Cardinal Kung foundation reported that Bishop Jia Zhiguo of the underground Church of Zhengding, Heibei, was returned to his home at Christ the King Cathedral on Thursday.The bishop was detained -- his 12th arrest since 2004 -- on Aug. 24.

Now in his home, he continues under 24-hour surveillance and is isolated from the priests and faithful of the diocese, the Cardinal Kung foundation informed. It is not yet clear how the bishop was treated during his days held by the police.

In China, the government permits religious practice only with recognized personnel and in places registered with the Religious Affairs Office and under the control of the Patriotic Association.

This explains the difference affirmed between the "national" or "official" Church, and the faithful who oppose such control and who wish to obey the Pope directly. The latter constitute the non-official, or underground, Church.