Catholic clergy to surrender passports under new laws in China

The rules bolster the already stringent control Chinese authorities excerpt over the practice of religion, placing the Vatican's deal under increased pressure.

(PerMariam) — China’s state church is enforcing the mandatory surrender of passports for all clergy and religious in the country, ensuring ever tighter control over the practice of religion in the Communist nation.

The regulations enacted in December by the state-approved bodies of the church in China – Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA) and i…