Beijing Church of Christ

There is a Protestant Church in China, existing with the approval of the Chinese government. The Roman Catholic Church also exists in China, although it is considered separate from the Vatican by the Chinese government and bishops are frequently appointed by the Beijing rather than by Rome. For Christians in China these have been the only two "safe" options in China for decades. Though we know house churches meet secretly throughout the country, they are not approved and Chinese Christians who gather in this way to worship, often in private homes, are subject to criminal prosecution.

Now, apparently, the a cappella Church of Christ is getting a legal congregation, just in time for the upcoming Olympics. The government is providing a building and worship will be conducted in 10 major languages during the Olympics. The article I read in the Gospel Advocate recently about this was downright triumphal in tone, but I wonder how much of a good thing this really is.

As I've mentioned, leaders in the Chinese Catholic Church, and certainly in the Three-Self Protestant Churches as well, are appointed or otherwise accepted by the Chinese government. How will this be any different for the Beijing Church of Christ? The building is apparently being provided by the Chinese government as well. What the Communist Party gives, it can also take a way. What guarantee does this Church of Christ have that it will retain this location, or even its legal status, after the games are gone? Further, when Chinese Christians show up for worship and membership, it will be practically an admission that they were involved with the unregistered house churches before.

Maybe things are changing in China. Maybe not. Ultimately I know that no body of believers in this world is "safe" where political power is concerned. Either they permit us to exist and meet (a permission that can be rescinded), or persecute us. Worse, they sometimes give us benefits, protection and privileged status in society. This latter tactic is possibly the most destructive of all.

My hope and prayer is that the day will soon arrive when believers of all faiths will be able to worship according to their tenets and rites in China without any prior approval or official sanction.

See the Beijing Church of Christ's official website here.