1. Introduction to the Report
CSW has recently returned from a fact-finding visit to China. The
team met with a large number of representatives from different groups and areas to gather information on the current situation
and needs of the unofficial Protestant Church in China.
This report is provided with a view to make available the concerns communicated during the trip. In order to make the
actual voice of the Chinese believers accessible, quotes have been used in many cases and are highlighted in the shaded
boxes. These can naturally not be attributed, but come first hand from those in positions of significant responsibility and
leadership in the churches.
For logistical reasons, the trip was focused primarily on the
unofficial Protestant Church. The pressures that these Christians face occur within the context of widespread religious
persecution against many religious groups. As such, the concerns expressed often relate to broader religious rights in
the country.
The concerns of the House Church are of relevance to those dealing with China at a political level and also to religious
groups operating or interested in operating in China. One of the key areas of concern to the House Church is the mistaken
understanding of the official Protestant church, the Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), outside China. Representatives
were at pains to explain the nature of the TSPM and the reasons why it is not able to represent Protestants in China.
Whilst this detail is important, it has more bearing on those groups working with the TSPM. Those using the report for other
purposes may therefore wish to select the parts which are most relevant for their purposes and may have a specific interest in
the section on human rights abuses under point 13 on page 15.
Whilst many of the reports received were very similar and consistent, it is necessary to stress that the situation is varied.
Some provinces enjoy much greater religious freedom, whilst in others Christians still face barbaric treatment. The sources of
persecution also vary. In some areas the TSPM is very active in the persecution, whilst in others the oppression comes solely
from the authorities. Similarly in some places the TSPM churches may be genuine, and there are certainly true believers
in the TSPM churches, whilst in other areas, the TSPM may be a chief agent in the suppression of religious freedom and church
growth.
The conclusions are reproduced at the beginning of the report as a summary:
2. Summary / Conclusions
The House Church representatives unanimously voiced the cry that religious freedom is not provided in China. There is a
measure of controlled freedom in the official churches, but most believers find the political controls and restrictions
inconsistent with their faith. Those who seek to practice their religion according to their conscience outside the official
churches are liable to suffer penalties, which include severe fines, arrest, torture, internment in
labor camp and even death.
The TSPM is not the legitimate representative of Protestant Christians in China. This is both due to numbers and its control
by the government. In addition there are serious concerns about heresy and corruption. The TSPM is often an agent of
persecution against the rest of the church and is used to carry out government directives against Christians.
Whilst there are good people and churches within the TSPM,
there are also serious flaws within it. It is very important that
those looking at liaising with the official Church recognize its role and consider the needs and expressed desires of the
majority Church which is suffering for its faith.
The TSPM itself is restricted in its freedoms. It has to operate
under limitations affecting how it can preach, who can preach and where they can preach. It also is unable to teach on certain
Biblical doctrines, including the resurrection, judgment, Second Coming, creation and gifts of the Spirit, as well as certain
passages, including the book of Revelation. The TSPM is also limited in its activities by the prohibition on working with those
under 18 years of age and other categories of persons, including Party members.
The House Church has grown up under persecution. Its central reason for remaining independent is the strongly held belief
that Christ is the Head of the Church and that this position cannot be usurped by a secular power.
The House Church is non-political, patriotic and encourages high morals and good citizenship. It does not desire conflict
with the authorities but is brought into conflict by its clear understanding that the Church should be headed by Christ
alone. This is not an anti-government position, but is a widely held belief amongst Christians throughout the world.
The House Church should be recognized as the appropriate representative of Protestant Christians in China. They should
be allowed to represent themselves and should be provided the opportunity for dialogue.
The enforcement of the policy requiring registration has caused untold suffering. The policy is highly detrimental to religious
freedom and registration should be abolished as a means of control. Independent registration should be carried out without
reference to the TSPM and without government interference in religious activities. The policy of independent registration is an
important step in the right direction. Regrettably it is not being implemented effectively and requests for such registration are
being refused or referred to the TSPM. It is important that these practices are amended and that independent registration
becomes genuinely available throughout China.
There are severe restrictions on access to literature and training. The restrictions on both are counterproductive as they
encourage aberrations, heresies and cults. Christianity does not promote violence or dangerous practices. In the past, political
manifestations of religion occurred because of inadequate availability of Christian teaching. It is therefore in the interests
of the authorities to allow proper teaching materials in order to prevent aberrations, which could prove dangerous.
The churches have come under increased pressure as a result of the crackdown on cults. In many areas, being unregistered is
synonymous with being a cult in the eyes of the authorities. No objective or consistent criteria appeared to be used in the
classification of cults. Mainstream Christian groups are routinely labeled as cults, without the slightest reference to the
orthodoxy of their teaching. Thus 'cult' comes to have a political rather than a theological meaning. Where genuinely dangerous
cults exist, action taken must be in line with general civil and criminal law, rather than ordinances aimed at specific groups, or
broad sweeps which also target peaceful groups.
Persecution against the church continues. This includes fines, arrests, beatings, torture,
labor camp and even death. Alongside this, churches and Bible Schools are closed and
church and personal property is confiscated.
The policy to control the church comes down from the highest levels. Local authorities are at liberty to implement the policy in
a variety of ways, enabling serious abuses to take place. The central authorities' prime concern is that control is exercised,
regardless of the means used to achieve the objective. Central authorities set in place policies that allow serious violations of
religious and other rights and condone the abuses taking place against religious believers.
Serious changes are required in the areas of law, policy and practice in order to rectify these changes and give credibility to
claims that there is religious freedom in China.
3. The State of Religious Freedom for Protestants in China Today
Leaders from the House Church were at pains to underline that Christians in China do not have religious freedom. Whilst there
is some measure of restricted freedom for those who join the government controlled Three Self Church, the majority of
Christians find these controls in conflict with Christian faith and therefore wish to operate outside the official system. Those
outside the official churches do not have freedom to practice their religion and instead face persecution for their beliefs.
Leaders were deeply disturbed by the claims by official church leaders that there is religious freedom in China.
"When you hear statements from the TSPM you may think that there is unity, but it is not true. If you talk to the church on the
ground you will see the pain and persecution."
"The Three Self Church declarations abroad saying that we have freedom of religion here are an outright lie. They are lying
through their teeth with their eyes wide open. When they say freedom they refer to the Three Self Church itself but not the
house churches which are in the majority."
4. The Role and Functioning of the Three Self Patriotic Movement
Representatives repeatedly stressed that the official church is not in a position to represent the church in China. For reasons
of numbers alone, they are disqualified. The TSPM claims 16 million members. Even conservative estimates place the
numbers in the unofficial Protestant churches as double this, with other estimates more than quadrupling the figure. Whilst
there are genuine believers and some good churches within the TSPM, there are also many problems within and emanating
from the official church.
A further reason that the official churches are deemed unsuitable as representatives of the Christians in China is that
they are organs of the government, with the Party exercising control over the activities and the doctrine of the church. The
obvious conflict inherent in an atheist government having control over the affairs and even the teaching of a religious
body has resulted in most Christians being unwilling to operate within the official churches.
House church representatives were at pains to underline the reasons why they do not join the official church. The crux of the
matter is that the house churches hold to the doctrine that Christ is the head of the church and there can be no greater
authority over church affairs. The official church recognizes state control over religious activity and doctrine.
The distrust of the official church traces back to the origins of
the official church. The TSPM was founded in 1950. "The TSPM is not an authentic church because its head is the State, not
Christ. So, if the West continues to support such a perverted Church it will do harm to the real Church in China."
with the co-operation of a minority radical brand of Christians. The founder, Wu Yaozong, who denied the physical resurrection
of Jesus, was not supported in his theology or plans by the majority of Christians, who opposed the idea of politically
influenced religion. Christians were forced to denounce foreign missionaries. Those who refused to do so and join the official
church were arrested and subjected to brutal treatment and imprisonment. In 1958 the anti-religion movement started and
all churches and temples were closed and pastors and monks driven out of the cities. Although the TSPM called itself Christian
it followed this policy and assisted the police and government in leading them to the other Christians, both official and
underground, for identification and confiscation of Bibles.
"History speaks for itself and shows where the Three Self loyalty
is and whom they consider their head. "
"Why do so many house churches refuse to register with the government? Because we simply cannot trust the government.
We saw what happened with the first batch of churches that registered when the government began this
program in the 1950s and registrations were followed by massive arrests. After they registered the government went after them and wiped
them out. The pastors learned the hard lesson with their own blood, and so the house churches now refuse to register their
churches."
When the TSPM was restored after the Cultural Revolution, it remained clearly under the control of the Party. The guidelines
of the Three Self give loyalty first to the Communist Party and government. The standard line is "we are under the leadership
of the Communist Party and we follow Jesus Christ". This is in contrast to the standard Christian understanding that one
should obey the temporal authority in temporal matters, but spiritual authority in spiritual matters.
"Why do so many house churches refuse to register with the government? Because we simply cannot trust the government.
We saw what happened with the first batch of churches that registered when the government began this
program in the 1950s and registrations were followed by massive arrests. After they registered the government went after them and wiped
them out. The pastors learned the hard lesson with their own blood, and so the house churches now refuse to register their
churches."
Compromised Theology
Strong concerns were expressed about the compromised theology of the TSPM. The Three Self Church has gone beyond
the traditional limits of state and church theology to try to blend political and religious authority under a communist government.
Bishop Ding, the former President of the Three Self Patriotic Movement and the China Christian Council, and the current
President of the Nanjing Theological Seminary, has sought to make religion conform with socialist philosophy. In response to
a directive from Jiang Zemin that religion should be compatible with communist philosophy, Bishop Ding launched the
"Construction on Theological Thinking" movement, using political ideology as the standard by which to judge religion.
"According to the TSPM, it is the head of the church. They would never say that Jesus is the head of the church. They would say
he is just a nice example to follow." This is more than just a movement in the official church towards liberal thinking. The
theology of the official church is required to conform to political thinking. The state controls religious appointments and if
Bishop Ding did not respond with this type of theology he would be replaced with someone who would ensure church doctrine
was subservient to political doctrine.
The theology of the TSPM has become so liberal, that many Christians are now finding that both the TSPM and its teaching
are heretical. For instance Bishop Ding challenges the authority of the Bible, stating that God's word is in the Bible, but Satan's
word is in there too. He says it is not God's word itself. He also avoids the issue of sin and
criticizes the central Protestant doctrine of justification by faith, seeing this as incompatible with
socialist ideology. Further concerns exist regarding eschatology and evolution. He does not acknowledge physical resurrection,
only speaking of a spiritual resurrection. He says God only "half made" mankind, giving evolution credit, denying the fall of
man and thus negating the need for salvation - the foundation of the Christian faith. "The idea of the TSPM is to teach in such
an unclear way that it stops growth. The aim of the State Church is to baffle the believer." "The heresy of the Three Self
Church is more than a question of liberal theology: it contradicts many basic Christian doctrines, including
justification
by faith and the resurrection." There are also concerns about corruption in the TSPM. It was reported that one can be
ordained as an elder in Anhui if one 'offers' RMB 1,000. In Jiangsu, a wealthier province, the cost was given as RMB 2,000.
TSPM leaders who want to please the RAB will dispose of valuable church property in
favor of the RAB in order to win favor and promotions for themselves. Leaders also referred to
the splits and fighting within the TSPM. "The Three Self Church is a tool of the government and acts as an agent of the
Communist Party. Now it has even less credibility due to heresy and corruption"
Many of the leaders clearly identified the TSPM as the source of
persecution and as an agent of government policy against the churches. They reported the TSPM bringing the police to arrest
the House Church Christians and threatening them with other persecution if they did not stop their activities. Frequent
reference was made to the TSPM being used as a tool of the government in carrying out directives.
Restrictions on the TSPM
"60% of the arrests result from the jealousy and information given by the Three Self." The teaching of TSPM churches is
limited. They are not allowed to teach on creation, judgment, the Second Coming, gifts of the Spirit, or even resurrection. Nor
are they allowed to practice healing or deliverance or other supernatural gifts.
"In the TSPM church near my home the Pastor hardly ever mentions the Bible. He often just reads communist Party
speeches and Li Peng's texts from the pulpit. His mission is to make people patriotic. The basic idea of the TSPM is that you
love the country first, then you love God. Your love for the country must come before your love for God. If you attend a
Three Self Church it may seem quite good, at the beginning, but after a while you
realize that the teaching is saturated with Party ideology. The Chinese are expert at using this way of
getting across their Party ideology."
TSPM churches also operate with restrictions on whom they can work with. They are not allowed to minister to those under
eighteen years of age. They are also not allowed to work with Communist Party members. They further operate with
significant restrictions on their means of operation. Religious activities can only be carried out in registered places and within
specific districts, prohibiting preaching across village and province lines. Only those who have been designated and have
licenses can preach.
It was reported that there are official directives circulating in
Heilongjiang Province setting out six religious rules:
1. Those aged under 18 cannot be evangelized
2. No government staff can embrace a faith
3. No military staff can embrace a faith
4. No students or teachers can embrace a faith
5. All religious activity must be carried out in an approved venue
6. No foreigners can preach without government approval
Concerns were also voiced about the personnel in the TSPM. When a preacher is deemed not to follow the Party line he is
liable to be relocated or removed. Pastors are sent to remote and undesirable places and are losing their salaries and
accommodation. This can cause grave hardship for the individuals concerned. New pastors, trained to follow Party
ideology, are replacing them.
Training in the seminaries teaches pastors not to address the prohibited topics and requires students to take modules in
subjects such as politics and communism. The Seminary in Nanjing has been the subject of much controversy and the
recent expulsion of one of the teachers and earlier expulsion of a number of students have raised serious concerns about the
teaching and functioning of the Seminary.
Amongst the Three Self Christians and pastors themselves there is much concern about the development of the theology
in the TSPM. Many Three Self pastors seek to preach the gospel within the uncomfortable confines of the restrictions in
the TSPM. It is believed that the majority of the TSPM pastors are opposed to the liberal theology of Ding, but are in a difficult
position and are therefore afraid to speak out against it.
5. The House Church
The House Church was born out of persecution and has continued to function within that context to the present-day. It
has remained strong due to its deep commitment to Jesus Christ. Its phenomenal growth is linked to its adherence to the
Great Commission and the powerful miracles and wonders that are taking place. The House Church is currently estimated to be
between 30 and 100 million strong. "The mainstream Christians in China are in the house churches, not in the official church.
The environment in the House Church is definitely a lot more scriptural than the TSPM; both in what they teach and how they
behave." The drive for registration of religious groups has been the chief vehicle for persecution of the House Church in the last years.
The policy clearly stems from the Party's fear of anything lying outside its control. The implementation of this policy has
brought a fresh wave of persecution against the Church.
Although the House Church Christians are patriotic and in most cases are model citizens, exemplifying moral
behavior, they are deemed unpatriotic for failing to join the Party controlled body.
Due to the restrictions the house churches are under-resourced in many ways. They lack preachers and pastors to teach and
baptize. One pastor reported that there is only one pastor for 500,000 Christians in an area in Shandong Province.
Some of the pastors and the families of those incarcerated need practical help as they are at times left destitute, without
shelter, food and clothing. "The believers here are suffering greatly and they really need help."
6. Independent Churches
There are also churches which are registered, but are not part
of the TSPM.
In order to be registered, churches are required to have economic resources, a leader, a building for meeting in, a
constitution, an administrative group and structure.
Although independent registration is possible in theory, in practice it is often not possible for groups to register in this
way. The model has been used in Zhejiang Province, which is known for its Christian development, and quite a number of
these independent churches have been registered. However, in other regions it is very difficult for churches to secure such
independent registration.
"I was arrested for my religious activities. The PSB handed me over to the RAB, who brought a pastor from the Three Self
Church to interrogate me. They made him come to testify that we are not Christians, that we had to stop gathering by
ourselves and instead go to the Three Self Church and that we had to register all our names in their book, because they
wanted to gain control over our congregation. He said "Just disband your group and come to the Three Self Church." I said
I could register myself and he replied, "You think you can register and meet freely? We will not approve your application,
we will not accept your registration and we will continue to arrest you. So disband your group and come to the Three Self
Church.""
Even where churches have been able to register, they can face
problems. Churches face pressure to appoint an approved pastor. For example, there is an independent registered church
in Nanjing, but it is under severe pressure from the TSPM and the government to conform to stricter controls. It is not
permitted to invite visiting preachers to speak without the approval of the TSPM, and is not allowed to teach on prohibited
subjects such as creation, resurrection and the return of Christ.
In theory, churches should be able to register with the local RAB, but many churches are not aware of this or receive no
co-operation from the RAB when they do approach them. In addition, when a group seeks to register, the authorities will
refer to the TSPM. Furthermore, in certain areas the existence of unregistered religious activities provides a valuable source of
income to local officials, in the form of fines. Thus the authorities refuse to register such groups as they would no
longer be able to extort money out of them on the pretext that they are carrying out illegal religious activities.
"Bishop Ding has declared publicly that China permits house churches as long as they register with the government. He said
that they are supposed to register and be approved and even if they register and are not approved they can continue to
assemble. But this is just a statement for the outside world to hear. Just go to any house church in China and you will know
that this is completely untrue. All these years that we've been in existence we have been subject to severe persecution and
destruction."
"If a particular church is allowed to be registered there is a reason for that. They often want to rope the individuals in to
inform them of what is happening on the ground in the rest of the province. They feel that since they are not part of the TSPM
they will be trusted by other house churches. One of the registered church leaders was made "Christian Representative
for the County", to keep the government informed of the situation of the Christians. It is clear that they wanted to know
more about the unregistered groups."
Although the system of independent registration does offer advantages, there are also difficulties involved. Churches still
have to operate within the confines of the "three fixeds", that is they are required to have a fixed permanent preacher, meeting
place and region. This still limits who may preach and prevents evangelism, which is central to church doctrine and practice. The
rules thereby effectively prevent church growth and curtail religious activities. In addition, the churches are still not able to
work with those aged under 18. However, they are not required to conform to the restrictions on teaching of doctrines and of
certain Biblical passages.
Despite these difficulties, the availability of independent registration is viewed as an important step towards religious
freedom in China. It is therefore important that such registration is made genuinely available and that the RABs are
trained to accept and register independent churches.
"These independent churches should be the future for the church in China, but at the moment there are difficulties. The
government needs to really carry out the policy of religious freedom."
7. The Responses of Overseas Churches
Church leaders in China were concerned about the naïve attitude of those in the West towards the TSPM and religious
policy. They raised concern about the acceptance of Chinese propaganda. This related not only to statements made by
Chinese representatives, but invitations taken up by Western groups which are designed to perpetuate the false picture being
painted by the Chinese authorities. Concern was expressed about the visit by Benny Hinn, as this was felt to be a
propaganda exercise by the Chinese government. Whilst some believers were against it taking place at all, others were more
concerned that it should not be misunderstood as indicating that there is religious freedom in China.
"Groups outside China need to be wise about what they are doing. By having a relationship with the TSPM they help the
government propaganda. The authorities will use the relationship for show. It is better to do nothing in China than to
work with the Three Self Church. It can actually be directly damaging for the true Church when groups work with the TSPM
because the TSPM persecutes the house churches. The TSPM shows different faces to the West and to its members. The
Communists are the head of the TSPM, not Jesus. The TSPM is a tool of the Communists and is damaging the Church."
"Why when foreigners come do they think the Three Self is revived and is so strong? When China is so big, and has so few
churches and so few people know about the existence of house churches, the official churches are bound to be crowded. For
example, before 1949 we had 200 churches in Shanghai. Now we have 20. So of course the churches look full under these
conditions.
8. Literature
The difficulty in obtaining Bibles and Christian literature presents a serious obstacle to Christians in China. Literature on
religion is tightly controlled. The Bible cannot be printed freely. The State controls the printing of Bibles and they can only be
sold by the TSPM, making it difficult for house churches to obtain sufficient copies. Although one can buy anonymously, it
is not possible to make bulk purchases in most areas. This is a problem not only in relation to supplying the numbers required,
but in areas where the TSPM is not strong there are no outlets for those who wish to buy a Bible.
It would be better if the Bible could be purchased freely and was widely available. This would very much help the religious
groups to teach mainstream Christian doctrine, as the greatest threat to the church in China is heresy brought about by
inadequate teaching and access to Bibles and Christian materials. Through opening up the availability of the Bible, the
authorities would be acting to avoid heresies and cults developing, together with the associated practices that cause
concern.
9. Training
House churches are also at a disadvantage as they are not allowed to operate institutions to train their personnel. This
leaves a deficit in the numbers and quality of teachers available and, again, serves to perpetuate heresies and
aberrations. In the past, political manifestations of religion occurred because of inadequate availability of Christian
teaching. It would be in the interests of both the churches and the state to help the churches stay true to mainstream
Christian teaching and to allow training institutions for these purposes.
10. Cults
The House Church is being negatively affected by
miscategorization as cults. The crackdown on the Falun Gong has resulted in increased pressure on the house churches. In
many areas, non-registration automatically classifies a group as a cult. Aside from non-registration and
organization, there appear to be no objective criteria used to determine which groups are deemed cults. There does not appear to be an
examination of doctrine when classifying individual groups as cults. Once a group is classified as a cult it is very difficult to
remove the stigma. In addition, once one individual is deemed a cult member, then all individuals associated with that group
are also classified as cult members and are then more vulnerable to persecution.
There are religious groups in China that could give cause for concern and whose activities may require control. Where groups
engage in genuinely dangerous practices, for example kidnapping or causing bodily harm, it is appropriate to act to
protect the rights of the public. Such protections should be afforded in the normal criminal and civil law. It should not be
necessary to implement laws or directives against specific religious groups, or to cast the net so wide that many innocent
and law abiding groups are classified as cults.
"When we were arrested, we were firstly accused of being drug smugglers. When they could not find any evidence of this they
told us that we were part of the Disciple Sect cult. We then had to convince them that we were not. Their education level in
these matters is so low that they did not even know what a Christian is. Teaching them how to distinguish a real cult would
help. Also teaching them about religious law and regulations would help because they don't seem to know these either."
"A seminar was organized in Yunnan for the vice mayors. Most of them did not have even a basic idea of what Christianity was.
In fact they despised it, because they associated it with being against the Party. They should be made aware that they need
to have knowledge of what religious belief is and what Christianity is."
A number of contacts referred to an expectation that a sweep against the house churches would take place. With the
classification of house churches as cults, the scene is set for a future crackdown. "The cult label is also being directed at the
churches. The house churches are expecting a concentrated, coordinated sweep from the government in the near future,
seeing what the government is doing now to the Falun Gong with the cult label. Just in the last few months, they have
announced these directives of labeling the house church as a cult. With these public directives they can tack this label onto
any group or individual Christians they don't like."
11. Trends
Many of the leaders spoke of increasing persecution, a worsening situation and increased numbers in prison. Clearly
the house churches are under great pressure and persecution has worsened as a result of the crackdown on the cults.
A longer term view does provide a balance to this and some encouragement. Although lack of religious freedom is very real
and the pressure keenly felt, the situation today is a vast improvement on that of four decades ago. The situation has
been improving generally since the Cultural Revolution. "On the whole persecution is decreasing. For example, in the
1960s if you sang a hymn you would be sentenced to prison. In the 1970s if you took part in a collective worship service you
would be sent to prison. In the 1980s only the pastors and leaders would be sentenced to prison. Now, in the year 2000
only the top leaders will be sentenced to prison. So do not be discouraged, your appeal is helpful to us."
Concern was expressed about the easing of pressure on China as the process of membership of the World Trade
Organization progresses, with concern being voiced that the lack of external restraint would loose China from the self imposed restraint
needed to pursue economic goals. Nevertheless, there was also a sense amongst many that WTO membership would have a
favorable impact.
"The way that they are treating the Falun Gong has many similarities to the tactics used in the 1960s. For example they
encourage them to come forward, surrender their loved ones and bring out their literature. Obviously we cannot return to the
days of the Cultural Revolution, but the ideas behind it are the same. Right now although things seem okay outwardly, those
that are laborers inside see that whenever there is a political need, they will begin a sweep against the church. The stage has
been set for it. At the moment China is restraining herself in order to get into the WTO, because religious freedom is such a
big issue with the other countries. Many people think that everything will be fine after China joins the WTO, but we
pastors know that this is not so. I am not against membership, but there will come a day when they will no longer restrain
themselves. They will do what they want. I am worried because you can see three generations in our country. The first
generation were those who pioneered this nation, Mao and his group. The second generation was that of Deng. There was
more freedom then because the main concern was economics. However the present generation of leaders want political
stability so they can use their power to do certain things. That is why a lot of Christian pastors and ministers on the ground are
really fearful."
12. Government Policy
It was clear that the policy of control of religious activities is
viewed as coming down from the top levels. In line with Party ideology, religion, culture and the arts should serve the
purpose of the Party. The authorities are therefore obviously anxious that Christianity should not be free to flourish
naturally, but should be controlled and restricted to fit Party thinking and purposes. Christianity is clearly viewed as a threat
to the Communist Party.
Sources with a close knowledge of policy revealed that the policies from central government were instituted to gain control
and that the ultimate aim is total control and the restriction of freedom. It was reported that the police training includes a
course entitled "The Control of Religion for Social Order". The National Security Bureau handles situations in which foreigners
are involved in religious activity, showing that such activity is regarded as political.
The directives come from central government, but the means of implementation is left to a significant extent to local
authorities. Thus local authorities are able to carry out abuses, torture and exact huge payments in pursuit of the policy. The
central factor is that the policies of control are being implemented, through whatever means. The central authorities
cannot be unaware of these abuses, and therefore, even in the case where they have not directly ordered them, they condone
them.
"The object of the persecution is to destroy the Church. The persecution is policy set up by the top central government. It is
just that as it comes down from above it mutates and the police and local authorities use the policies to extort money for
themselves."
Although extortion is clearly an element in the fining of Christians, many standing committees of the provincial
'People's Congress' have passed laws on punishment for violations of religious ordinances, including 'registration
ordinances'. These laws specify the fines to be levied for the various categories of offence.
The abuses are generally more severe in the rural areas and provinces than in the cities. Education seems to be a significant
factor, both for the police and the believers. In cities, Christians better understand their rights and there is a greater awareness
of Christianity amongst officials. However in rural areas, there is more police brutality generally and less awareness of
Christianity. The lack of education and the impunity of the police perpetuate abuses.
"In the cities police differentiate between Christians and criminals. They may arrest them but they know the difference.
In the rural areas and in the villages there is a lower education level among the police and the authorities. To them being a
Christian is the same as being a criminal. This failure to distinguish means that the Christians in the rural areas are
subject to torture and other mistreatment."
13. Penalties
Christians suffer harshly under the severe physical and financial
penalties that are inflicted upon them because of their faith.
"We Christians actually feel very downhearted right now because of this severe oppression from the authorities. Most
believers are facing great pressure, persecution, oppression and financial difficulties. It is a hard life to be a Christian."
There are increasing reports of the use of severe fines against believers. The fines vary according to area and involvement in
the church. Fines for a simple believer can be around RMB 1,000 to 2,000, with those for leaders ranging from RMB 2,000
to 5,000 and even reaching the level of RMB 15,000. In some cases elders are asking to resign from their positions as they
simply do not have the resources to pay the fines. Beyond the fines themselves, the authorities will confiscate church land and
property and valuables in the believers' homes which they search. When someone is arrested, money has to be found to
support that person and their family and money is also expected in the form of banquets if the officials are to release
the detainees. One group estimated that they lose RMB 100,000 to 200,000 each year in fines, confiscated goods and
in resources used to support prisoners' families.
Alongside these losses, churches and Bible schools are closed down. Penalties also come in the form of denial of education to
children and loss of employment.
Beyond this, Christians also face arrest, beatings, torture and even murder for their faith. The delegation heard frequent
reports of arrests in the last couple of months. The areas involved were far flung, from the far north to the far south.
Christians still face terms of internment in labor camps. Although it is difficult to give accurate figures, a couple of
sources estimated the number of Christians currently in labor camp to be around 800. A further estimate places the number
of long term prisoners, sentenced to three years labor or worse, as between 100 to 200.
CSW heard numerous accounts of violations and torture of Christians. In order to protect sources, not all details are given,
but the following information gives a current picture of the nature of abuses:
Christians were forced to stand in the same position, for example on tiptoes with their arms stretched out above their
head in a Y position, for hours on end. They were forced to stand with their knees bent and back straight for hours. They
were also forced to do exercises repeatedly, such as squatting 100 times in a row. They described how they were beaten
with
fists, batons, poles and other objects such as chairs and bats. Electric batons were also frequently used. They were hung from
the ceiling by one wrist or by both wrists tied behind their backs. They were tied in excruciating positions. Some were tied for
hours on end with their arms bound diagonally across their backs. The thumbs would be secured with wire, causing swelling
and further pain. In some cases the agony was made more excruciating by adding weights and stones at the back.
Prisoners are also forced to abuse each other. CSW heard evidence of believers being forced to hit and slap each other
and, in one case, to stab each others' thighs with three inch long embroidery needles. The same believers were forced to
sleep on narrow planks, only four foot long and six or seven inches wide. The planks were raised above the ground and the
floor below was freezing. They were also forced to stand all through the night without closing their eyes and were insulted
and verbally molested.
In another case reported to CSW, the police rammed toothpicks and bamboo splinters under the fingernails of a Christian
detainee. Another prisoner was mistreated by having the pointed heel of a high heel shoe slammed into the
center of his hand. Sleep deprivation was employed in many cases.
A number of prisoners have been tied in crucifix positions and left hanging for hours. Prisoners (not necessarily Christians)
have also been bound by their wrists and ankles to a crucifix and left at an angle against the wall, causing the internal
organs to go into chaos and shut down. Sometimes they would be left in that position for a whole day. CSW also heard
evidence about the murder of a Christian in prison for calling out the name Jesus. He was picked up by four large guards,
held up high and then repeatedly thrown to the floor until he died.
Other abuses included placing detainees in a close fitting cage surrounded by wild dogs which would paw and attack them until
they died. Only one person in four would survive the attacks. Prisoners are deliberately exposed to extreme temperatures.
They are left without bedcovers and exposed to frostbite. Specific abuses included placing prisoners in a tiny cage
(measuring 2' x 2' x 3') and putting them outside in the baking sun or freezing snow for hours on end. They would also be
bound and placed under a very hot bulb, making the head extremely hot. Prisoners could also be placed naked outside in
the snow for hours on end, or stripped and made to stand in front of a fan in icy temperatures. The victims reported that the
cold cuts like a knife, but leaves no scar. Some prisoners had their feet chained together with a heavy chain weighing about
15 kg, making it very hard to move. The chain would cut into the skin and at times the bone would be exposed.
The conditions in the labor education camps to which Christians and others are subjected are appalling. CSW heard
of long hours of labor, from 5am to 11pm, grueling work and working conditions and high quotas which had to be met on
pain of beating or worse. One of the punishments reported was placing a thread through the ear lobe and yanking it down,
causing extreme pain. Toilet facilities are completely inadequate, with prisoners only allowed to go to the toilet at a
couple of specified times a day and no toilet paper provided. Food is minimal and barely enough to survive on.
14. The Attitude of the Churches under Persecution
The churches are not bitter about their persecution and do not challenge the government because of the treatment that they
receive. Instead they see the persecution as the way of the cross and as a natural consequence of following a
savior who suffered and died because of love for others.
As an example, the following is the response of a Christian who was tortured and hung in an excruciating position for hours on
end for his faith. The statement demonstrates the strength and forgiveness that is widespread amongst the Christians:
"My first thought was of Jesus and where it says in the Bible that what we suffer is for such a short time. When we die our
physical life is finished and we go to Jesus. I felt this is just a short time and maybe then I'll be taken to heaven. My second
thought was "Jesus I love you and I really feel your love". Because I was also suffering like Jesus I could feel the love
Jesus felt as he was hanging on the cross.
The Bible says we should have a heart like Jesus had. Jesus was in the image of God, He was equal to God but He was as
humble as a slave. He took the form of a human being! And here He died - even on the cross. So God exalted Him above
all else, the Name above all Names, that all of Creation, the Heavens and the Earth would kneel down and worship Him,
giving all glory to the Lord. We see that Jesus took the cross for our sakes, so we also have to take our cross and follow
Jesus. When Jesus was crucified the soldiers nailed a sign that said "The King of the Jews", so we should follow that example.
Like Jesus we should offer ourselves. When we are crucified with Jesus we also can share in His glory, like a king. Jesus'
kingship was a crucifixion, so we also should go to "Jerusalem" to follow him. That is my understanding, that what I suffered
was just following Jesus. I don't think that what I have done is so much. Jesus has done so much more for us. Jesus prayed
"Forgive them, they know not what they do". He prayed even for those who were crucifying him. So we must do the same. In
all that happens we must give thanks to the Lord."
"We Christians are ready to carry our crosses to follow Jesus --
this means we will go on as before."
15. The Appeal of the House Church
Rather than being bitter, the Christians pray for those who persecute them. Their one plea is that they be allowed to
practice their faith peacefully. Christians are not political and do not mix religion with politics. Their only conflict with the
authorities is their dedication to following the commands of God, but they have no reason to be disloyal or poor citizens.
On the contrary, their beliefs make them moral examples and good citizens. It has been shown, and widely
recognized, that the areas in which Christianity has had an impact have been changed for the good, with a higher level of social order and a
lower level of crime.
"Please tell the rest of the world that we are not criminals, that
we are Christians, good people. We are very patriotic. We love our country. Then why do they persecute us? Even the police
say what good people the Christians are. Tell them that we are not a cult - we just want freedom to follow Jesus."
The house churches sought to communicate their concerns through three documents produced towards the end of 1998. In
August 1998 the house churches issued an appeal calling for recognition and dialogue, as well as freedom from persecution
and release of prisoners. In November they issued a confession of faith and a document setting out their reasons for not
registering, whilst maintaining their patriotism.
The churches do seek to have their concerns raised and to find solidarity amongst other Christians and those concerned for
human dignity.
"We really need outside help. We very much need the outside world to know what is happening with the Chinese Church. We
need a voice in the outside world."
"I want to thank everyone who has been laboring on behalf of the church in China. I am disappointed to see that the
governments do not pay enough attention to these issues. The fact that the countries in the West are enjoying prosperity is
because of their Christian heritage. Urge the leaders not to forget God. It is only in countries with a Christian heritage that
you have peace, prosperity and respect for mankind."
"We very much need Western Christian churches to plead on the behalf of the Church in China. Political leaders in China are
afraid of foreigners making complaints. Internationally, whenever there is talk about human rights or religious freedom
Chinese officials feel timid, they just push it aside, they don't dare to face it. The Chinese Church is still in a position of
danger. I hope the West will pray more frequently for the Church in China. We do not ask for the collapse of communism
but we would like to see China walk according to the will of God."
"We would like the churches outside to pay attention to the Chinese Church. Why are people more interested in the Dalai
Lama than in the church? There are only 2.6 million Tibetan Buddhists, while Christians number 80 million. There is not
enough attention in the West on the Chinese Church. Western leaders are more interested in trade relations and do not pay
much attention to religious freedom."
Although the general sense amongst the majority in the House Church is that international awareness and advocacy assists,
this was not their first request. Consistently the leaders' first request was for prayer.
"The first and most helpful thing you can do is to pray and get others to pray for us."
"The secret of the Chinese Church is prayer and prayer and prayer. "
In addition there are practical requirements that need to be met.
Many of the Christians are from poor rural communities. When they give up their day to day work to preach the gospel or help
the church, they are making serious physical sacrifices. The families of those imprisoned or on the run also suffer great
hardship.
Leaders also expressed the need for Bibles and teaching materials. In addition, resources are required to provide for
those whose circumstances change as a result of persecution and for new, inconspicuous, places of worship as the church
grows or has to move on. "This is a call for help: The needs of the Chinese church must be met. There are so many workers
and elders who need support. The families of those incarcerated are in desperate need of help. Many of these
ministers are poor anyway, so when they are imprisoned their families are left destitute. They have no salary and lack the
basic needs. On top of being despised and oppressed by the government, they lack food, shelter, clothing and other basic
necessities."
16. Conclusions
The House Church representatives unanimously voiced the cry that religious freedom is not provided in China. There is a
measure of controlled freedom in the official churches, but most believers find the political controls and restrictions
inconsistent with their faith. Those who seek to practice their religion according to their conscience outside the official
churches are liable to suffer penalties, which include severe fines, arrest, torture, internment in
labor camp and even death.
The TSPM is not the legitimate representative of Protestant Christians in China. This is both due to numbers and its control
by the government. In addition there are serious concerns about heresy and corruption. The TSPM is often an agent of
persecution against the rest of the church and is used to carry out government directives against Christians.
Whilst there are good people and churches within the TSPM,
there are also serious flaws within it. It is very important that
those looking at liaising with the official Church recognize its role and consider the needs and expressed desires of the
majority Church which is suffering for its faith.
The TSPM itself is restricted in its freedoms. It has to operate
under limitations affecting how it can preach, who can preach and where they can preach. It also is unable to teach on certain
Biblical doctrines, including the resurrection, judgment, Second Coming, creation and gifts of the Spirit, as well as certain
passages, including the book of Revelation. The TSPM is also limited in its activities by the prohibition on working with those
under 18 years of age and other categories of persons, including Party members.
The House Church has grown up under persecution. Its central reason for remaining independent is the strongly held belief
that Christ is the Head of the Church and that this position cannot be usurped by a secular power.
The House Church is non-political, patriotic and encourages high morals and good citizenship. It does not desire conflict
with the authorities but is brought into conflict by its clear understanding that the Church should be headed by Christ
alone. This is not an anti-government position, but is a widely held belief amongst Christians throughout the world.
The House Church should be recognized as the appropriate representative of Protestant Christians in China. They should
be allowed to represent themselves and should be provided the opportunity for dialogue.
The enforcement of the policy requiring registration has caused untold suffering. The policy is highly detrimental to religious
freedom and registration should be abolished as a means of control. Independent registration should be carried out without
reference to the TSPM and without government interference in religious activities. The policy of independent registration is an
important step in the right direction. Regrettably it is not being implemented effectively and requests for such registration are
being refused or referred to the TSPM. It is important that these practices are amended and that independent registration
becomes genuinely available throughout China.
There are severe restrictions on access to literature and training. The restrictions on both are counterproductive as they encourage aberrations, heresies and cults. Christianity does not promote violence or dangerous practices. In the past, political manifestations of religion occurred because of inadequate availability of Christian teaching. It is therefore in the interests of the authorities to allow proper teaching materials in order to prevent aberrations, which could prove dangerous.
The churches have come under increased pressure as a result of the crackdown on cults. In many areas, being unregistered is synonymous with being a cult in the eyes of the authorities. No objective or consistent criteria appeared to be used in the classification of cults. Mainstream Christian groups are routinely
labeled as cults, without the slightest reference to the orthodoxy of their teaching. Thus 'cult' comes to have a political rather than a theological meaning. Where genuinely dangerous cults exist, action taken must be in line with general civil and criminal law, rather than ordinances aimed at specific groups, or broad sweeps which also target peaceful groups.
Persecution against the church continues. This includes fines, arrests, beatings, torture,
labor camp and even death. Alongside this, churches and Bible Schools are closed and church and personal property is confiscated.
The policy to control the church comes down from the highest levels. Local authorities are at liberty to implement the policy in a variety of ways, enabling serious abuses to take place. The central authorities' prime concern is that control is exercised, regardless of the means used to achieve the objective. Central authorities set in place policies that allow serious violations of religious and other rights and condone the abuses taking place against religious believers.
Serious changes are required in the areas of law, policy and practice in order to rectify these changes and give credibility to claims that there is religious freedom in China.
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