July 4, 2011. (Romereports.com) In a strongly worded statement, the Vatican has condemned the recent illicit ordination of a Chinese bishop without papal approval. Paul Lei Shiyin was ordained a bishop by the Chinese government backed Church on June 29th.

The illicit ordination is against the Church's Canon Law and has resulted in the excommunication of Paul Lei Shiyin. There was also a warning to those bishops taking part in the ceremony that if they did not justify their actions then they too are at risk of excommunication.

The Vatican noted that these ordinations not approved by the pope are actions that “sow division and produce rifts and tensions in the Catholic community in China.”

Rome also highlighted that the Reverend in question had previously been turned down for ordination for reasons they said were “unacceptable and very grave.” This is referring to the fact that Reverend Paul Lei Shiyin reportedly had an affair with a woman that resulted in his fathering a child.

This strong statement from the Vatican also advises that if the Church in China wishes to become Catholic then they must follow the Church's doctrine and be in union with the pope.

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