RE: China Insists on Control of Religion
it is no surprise that the underground church is thriving in China. China will “officially” tolerate Christian worship as long as they register with the “Three-Self Movement”. Which essentially means, any sermon the pastor preaches has to go through official scrutiny first before they are allowed to be spoken.
CONTROL is the operative word.
I'm very sorry to say I just read that the Communist-Vatican deal hasn't been abandoned, it's just been postponed until June.
I know that Parolin and Sorondo are convinced this would be a diplomatic coup. They intend to keep pushing for a concordat.
As somebody pointed out, Parolin's idea of diplomacy would be handing over Jesus, Mary and Joseph to King Herod on the supposition that this would lead to dialogue.
So I didn't want you to think the whole thing has been scuttled. It's just been put off for 2 months. Supposedly. 
Mary, Mother of Chinese Christians, pray for us.