Opposition From Many Fronts

Chinese Bible and cross pendant - Photo: Pixabay

Sources in China have indicated that the persecution facing Christians at this time may be the worst since the radical actions of the Cultural Revolution under Mao Zedong. Crosses are being torn down around the country and the central government has insisted on obtaining control of churches. A policy of Sinicization has been instituted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), in its attempts to eliminate what is perceived as foreign influence and make everything fit under its concept of Chinese culture and beliefs.

A blatant example of Sinicization was found in an official textbook featuring a story from the Bible, specifically referencing a passage recorded in the book of John. In the original text, Jesus speaks to the woman caught in adultery and says, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more" (8:11 ESV). When this story is recounted in the official Professional Ethics and Law textbook, it instead reads, "When everyone went out, Jesus stoned the woman himself and said, 'I am also a sinner.'" The textbook used the story to show how the law is powerless if only those without sin enforce it. Consequently, the implication of the textbook lesson is that wrong behaviours committed by judicial officials should be tolerated, reflecting the values of the CCP.

Online censorship is also strongly enforced in China, blocking access to websites and materials that do not comply with CCP values. This has led some organizations to utilize alternate ways to distribute Christian materials. Recently the online bookstore of the officially sanctioned Christian Council of China and the country's Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) churches updated the titles and descriptions of their books. The Chinese character for Christ was replaced with "JD" or completely removed. The word "Christians" was covered with coloured blocks. References to "Jesus" became "YS" and the "Bible" became "SJ." Other religious terms were frequently covered as well, in order to keep any obvious references to Christianity from being blocked by online filters.

The Christian Council of China and the TSPM churches were given special sanction in 2001 to print and distribute the Bible within China. However, the online content censorship, as well as the imposed restrictions for selling the Bible in regular bookstores, demonstrates that even in cases involving permission there are hurdles due to the strong controls of the CCP. To learn more about the mounting difficulties being experienced by Christians in China, go to our country report.

Please prayerfully uphold our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ as they endure ongoing opposition from the CCP. Pray that those being monitored by the government will be strengthened by the ministry of God's Spirit -- His wonderful love, peace, protection and provision. Ask the Lord to grant wisdom to all who are seeking creative ways to work around the governmental restrictions in order to share the Good News of Jesus. Pray that despite this era of growing oppression, the pure unadulterated Word of God will spread throughout China so millions more will come to faith in Him.

  • 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.

China News

  • Chen Wensheng Sentenced to 19 Months
    Chen Wensheng is smiling.
    Chen Wensheng
    Photo: ChinaAid

    Chen Wensheng is no stranger to arrests and police intimidation. A radically reformed former drug addict, the Christian evangelist has travelled throughout China to share his testimony, gaining the nickname of "Gospel Warrior." (See these other reports about this faithful believer.)

  • New Health Concerns for Elder Zhang Chunlei
    Zhang Chunlei with his wife
    Elder Zhang Chunlei and his wife
    Photo: ChinaAid

    Zhang Chunlei is an elder with the Ren'ai Reformed Church in Guiyang, China. He was detained in March 2021 and remained in detention without charge until his trial in November 2022, when he was accused of "inciting subversion of state power." The trial was held in secret, without any witnesses, and a verdict has never been announced since then. In the meantime, Elder Zhang continues to remain imprisoned. (Review previously published reports about this church leader's case.)

  • Persistent Harassment Against Church Deacons
    Ding Shuqi and Jia Xuewei
    Jia Xuewei (right) with his friend, Ding Shuqi
    Photo: ChinaAid

    In 2018, the Early Rain Covenant Church was violently raided by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities, resulting in multiple arrests. Since then, members of the church have continued to face harassment, including a church deacon named Jia Xuewei. Click here for previous reports on Jia's situation.

  • High Security for Trial
    Chen Wensheng is smiling.
    Evangelist Chen Wensheng
    Photo: ChinaAid

    The case of Chen Wensheng was heard by the Hengyang City Shigu District People's Court on April 18th. However, when Chen's relatives and friends arrived that morning to attend the trial, they found about 40 black-clad special force officers guarding the entrance of the court building. In addition, the entire street was blocked off under the pretext of performing a "drill" so that any supporters could be prevented from attending the trial. Despite aggressive actions by the police, Chen's supporters are reported to have demonstrated "patience and calmness."