Church and State
China and the Church: 5 Trends to Watch in 2018
How the church weathers the uncertain days ahead will depend on a number of factors. Here are five areas to watch.
The Sinicization of Religion
A Chinese scholar’s proposal for how to “Sinofy” Christianity.
“Digital Leninism”
How is the Chinese government using cutting technology in their efforts to maintain social control?
We Don’t Know “Nuthin’”
Our assumptions drive our conclusions about the motivation behind government policies. But are they correct? Do we have any way of confirming or refuting them? Do we really know what is going on?
5 Random Observations on the 19th Party Congress
The Communist Party of China just wrapped up its 19th Party Congress in Beijing. Here are some “takeaways.”
Three-Self Church Reflections on Revised Regulations
On September 7, 2017, the Chinese government released revised regulations on religious affairs that will take effect on February 1, 2018. Last month, Tianfeng Magazine, the official magazine of the China Christian Council (CCC) and Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), posted an article on their WeChat blog highlighting the impact of the regulations and why they are necessary.
Church Cross Catches Fire in Henan
Last month images and video of a cross burning on top of a church in Hunan provoked fears of increased government pressure on churches. Due in part to reports of cross removals in certain parts of China in recent years, some Christians speculated that this fire last month was deliberately lit, spreading fear online that the government stepped up a campaign against Christian churches.
Those fears were unfounded, reports China Christian Daily, who interviewed the pastor of the church. Although the church had agreed with the government to remove the cross, the fire appears to have been accidental.
Churches Prepare for New Regulations
On September 7, 2017, the Chinese government released revised regulations on religious affairs that will take effect on February 1, 2018. Some local Chinese churches have started to study the regulations in order to prepare for the changes. China Christian Daily provides insight on how some churches are readying themselves.
Preparing for Red October
China may be an ancient civilization, but on October 1, it celebrated its 68th birthday.
New Religion Regulations to Take Effect in February
The long-awaited revision of the draft religion regulations circulated last September was signed into law last month and will take effect February 1, 2018.