Divided Loyalty: Catholic Converts and the Papal Legate in the Chinese Rite Controversy

Abstract

<p>Starting with a dispute among Catholic missionaries about Chinese rituals honoring Confucius and ancestors, the Chinese Rites Controversy entailed intense conflicts and a profound cultural clash between China and Christianity at the turn of the 18^th century. Despite extensive research on this subject, historians have not fully comprehended the role of Chinese converts in the mission of the papal legate Charles-Thomas Maillard de Tournon (1705-1706). This paper uses relevant sources, including decrees, reports, memoirs, testimonials, petitions, and letters, to piece together an account of how Chinese converts in Beijing, Canton, and Macao participated in de Tournon’s legation. I will examine their interactions with the other parties and motives behind their contentious views on de Tournon’s mandate. Instead of being silent subjects, these lesser-known Chinese made their voices heard by both imperial authorities and church leaders. Some adhered to the Jesuits’ stance in defending Chinese rituals, while others supported de Tournon and even accused the Jesuits of “betraying” the legate, the pope, and the emperor. Instances of vacillations and reversals appeared as well. In the severe circumstances, these converts were confronted with an unprecedented dilemma of divided loyalties—commitment to one universal faith or pledges of allegiance to varying worldly interests.</p><p><br></p>