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| China seeking to export Communist-style Christianity around the globe |
In a recent turn of events, China has drawn international attention with its reported plan to export a Communist-Christian hybrid ideology worldwide. The move has raised concerns among religious freedom advocates, with warnings issued by Release International, a UK-based organization dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians globally.
According to reports, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) held a broadcast training meeting for key pastors in China's Jilin province, during which they encouraged church leaders to resist foreign church influences and what they labeled as "illegal religion." More alarmingly, the CCP reportedly advocated for the spread of "Christianity with a Communist core" across the globe, with the ambition to "change the face of world Christianity," as disclosed by Release International.
The Chinese government's policy of 'Sinicization' aims to enforce the adoption of the atheist ideology promoted by the CCP within churches. However, religious freedom advocates argue that "atheism and Christianity can never mix." Release International's CEO, Paul Robinson, denounced the CCP's intentions, stating, "This push to give Christianity a Communist core is yet another attempt to control and dominate the Church and force it to conform." He further emphasized that the policy serves as a smokescreen to mask the ongoing persecution of the true Christian faith in China.
The CCP's suspicions extend to Western missionary support and the underground church movement, which they consider to be 'anti-Chinese.' The policy of Sinicization has led to a series of restrictive measures within China, including a ban on online religious content and the removal of over a thousand crosses from official churches. The Christian community within the country is now facing what Release International describes as its most "severe persecution" since the Cultural Revolution. Pastors who challenge the government's directives and lawyers who defend them are being sent to prison, illustrating the gravity of the situation.
Adding to the growing concern are reports of some churches being coerced into displaying pictures of Mao Zedong and President Xi Jinping, further emphasizing the CCP's desire to exert control over religious beliefs and practices. Despite these suppressive measures, China has experienced a remarkable growth in Christianity, leading some to estimate that the number of Christians in the country has exceeded 100 million, possibly even reaching 130 million. This sizable Christian population now accounts for almost 10 percent of China's total population.
Release International continues to advocate for religious freedom in China and calls for the release of Christian prisoners of faith, including lawyers who have sought legal remedies against the removal of crosses from churches. The organization stands firm in its commitment to supporting persecuted Christians worldwide and ensuring that they can practice their faith without fear of repression or punishment.
The situation in China serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for religious freedom in various parts of the world. As concerns mount over the exportation of a Communist-style Christianity, the global community must remain vigilant in safeguarding the rights of individuals to practice their faith without interference or persecution.
