Freedom of religion is part of the constitution of China. It is a freedom for organised groups with communal activities who register with government officials. Two of the recognised religions are Catholicism and Christianity (Protestantism) - distinct because of historic and organisational differences.
There are a large number of Catholics throughout China who have their own Bishops and priests, who are often collectively refered to as the underground church. They do not co-operate with the government and as such can be easy targets for harassment and legal arrest. They often feel that the Catholic Churches that co-operate with the government do not hold allegiance to the Pope. But at an inter-personal level there can be mutual recognition and support; indeed in a few cases auxiliary Bishops have been appointed with co-operation between government and Rome who are, at least in theory, acceptable to both.
The Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA) was established by the government in 1957 to lead the Catholic Church in China in a way free from any foreign interference. The College of Catholic Bishops in China (CCBC) since 1980 has the role of theological and spiritual leadership. It oversees 138 Diocese and 19 seminaries; it promotes the pastoral care of about 2000 nuns and 10 million laity. The authoritative structure of the Catholic Church inhibits the emergence of unsuitable sects, but makes relationship with the government difficult - partly because of the Vatican's attitude to Taiwan. Despite real differences there is a wish on both sides for the harmonious existence of Catholicism in China.
In China Catholicism is distinguished from Protestantism.