Studia Oecumenica, 2024, T. 24

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The Chinese Rites Controversy and Its Relevance
Klejnowski-Różycki, Dariusz (Redakcja Wydawnictw Wydziału Teologicznego Uniwersytetu Opolskiego, 2024)
The Chinese Rites Controversy concerned the compatibility of Chinese practices, such as ancestor veneration and Confucius worship, with Catholic doctrine. In the 17th century, Jesuits deemed these rituals secular and adapted Christianity to Chinese culture, while Dominicans and Franciscans opposed this approach, arguing it led to syncretism. Following extended disputes, the Holy See prohibited these practices, weakening Catholic missions in China and straining relations with the West. In the 20th century, the Church revised its stance, recognizing the rituals as consistent with Christian faith, which became foundational for the theology of inculturation. Contemporary implications of the controversy are evident in Vatican-China relations, particularly regarding the sinicization of religion, which aligns religious practices with state ideology. Pope Francis’s diplomatic initiatives, such as the agreement on episcopal appointments, reflect efforts to find a compromise, though tensions persist. The controversy remains relevant as an example of tensions between the universality of Christianity and local cultures, emphasizing the need for cultural dialogue and understanding diversity amidst global challenges.