Christianity Allegedly an "Enormous Harm"

ChinaAid 16 May 2019

Conference - 'Christianity's enormous harm on China's security' - Photo: ChinaAid www.chinaaid.org — Hebi conference on Christianity.
Photo: ChinaAid

A seminar was held during late April in the city of Hebi, Henan, to discuss "Christianity's enormous harm on China's security." Attended by members of the Chinese Communist Party, the gathering encouraged all members to maintain "correct views" in regards to the religion.

The Chinese government often views religion as foreign attempts to undermine its rule. ChinaAid reports that, since May 12th, 15 churches across China have faced harassment from authorities. Officers from the religious affairs bureau raided the churches, ordering activities to cease. In some cases, the pastors were ordered to stop in the middle of their sermons. Members were also taken for interrogation before being released.

In recent months, there has been increased pressure on non-registered churches, attempting to force all Christians to join the government-approved churches. The recent raids have led some to suggest a coordinated effort to crack down on the Christian faith. For more information on persecution facing Christians in China, visit our country report.

Pray for the many Christians in China who are facing opposition and oppression because of their faith. Also remember those belonging to the government-controlled Three-Self Churches as they attempt to spread the truth of God in an environment opposed to the Gospel. May their oppressors be receptive to the message of the Bible and come to understand their need for salvation through His Son Jesus.

China

Current Ministry Projects
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada continues to help distribute Bibles to Christians in the country, making it possible for them to have their own printed version of God's Word. Additionally, VOMC works with various mission partners to facilitate a Biblical understanding of persecution and discipleship, while presenting ways to effectively respond and minister within the context of hostility.

Project Funds: Underground Church, Bible, Relief & Development
Country Information
Population
1,413,142,846 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Han Chinese (91.1), ethnic minorities (8.9 - includes Zhang, Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) (2021 est.)

Religion (%)
Folk religion (21.9), Buddhist (18.2), Christian (5.1), Muslim (1.8), Hindu (< 0.1), Jewish (< 0.1), other (0.7 - includes Daoist [Taoist]), unaffiliated (52.1) (2021 est.)

Leader
President Xi Jinping (2013)

Government type
Communist party-led state

Legal system
Based on civil law system; influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law systems

Sources: CIA World Factbook
Pray for China
Pray that the Gospel will be proclaimed throughout China without government interference so many more names can be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life." May there also be a spirit of unity demonstrated among the country's growing churches, further strengthening existing believers and spurring them on in their ministry service and evangelistic outreach within the country's numerous communities.