The Chinese Christians and Their Struggles

 

Capetown

 

I heard this fascinating report on NPR this morning and wanted to share it with you all as I think it really something worth listening to- because it’s important for the world to speak out against China’s attempt to control faith.

A massive global evangelical gathering known as the Lausanne Congress will begin Oct. 16 in Cape Town, South Africa. But it looks likely to take place without the participation of more than 230 Chinese delegates. So far, at least 11 people planning to attend have been forbidden to leave China, and many others have come under pressure. Many fear Beijing is moving to exert control over underground Christians.   Christianity in China is flourishing, with tens of millions of Christians openly worshiping. Many gather in private assemblies, or house churches, rather than in the official government church, known as the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. The authorities have largely turned a blind eye in the past.  But when a grouping of house churches decided to send some 200 delegates to attend the Lausanne Congress, the government stepped in.

China, let God’s people go- to the Lausanne Congress.  Or Christians around the world will rise up in protest and exert the sorts of pressures only millions of devoted followers of Christ can.  Not least in prayer.   And let them worship God without governmental interference.