Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Prayers are needed as persecution of Christians in China increases

It appears that prayers are greatly needed for our brothers and sisters in Christ within the suffering church in China. However, we know that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church and no plan of the enemy can prevail long. So, let us call on Jesus, our great high priest and ask for His miraculous intervention on their behalf as Hebrews 4:14-16 exhorts us:

14 Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our wickedness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

CHINA: DEFIANTLY INTENSIFYING PERSECUTION

By Elizabeth Kendal
World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (WEA RLC)

Special to ASSIST News Service AUSTRALIA (ANS) -- Two recent news releases from China Aid Association (CAA http://www.chinaaid.org/) document a shocking escalation of persecution in China. There seems (to RLP) to be a direct correlation between increasing Russian-Chinese-Central Asian solidarity and growing persecution of unsanctioned Protestant Christians in those states. The dictators are uniting to protect their totalitarian regimes through alliances that reduce the influence and leverage of Western human rights and religious liberty advocates. Furthermore, China is systematically strengthening its assault on 'cults' (which includes house churches) through ideological training of cadres. These are very concerning developments. But God is in control of his-story for his glory! So we will confidently and dependently approach his 'throne of grace' (Hebrews 4:14-16).

CAA reports that in Henan Province on 1 July, 70 Christians in a house church fellowship were holding a baptismal service for 60 new believers when they were raided by police. Pastor Wang Baode and nine others were sentenced to 15 days' administrative detention, whilst all others present were fined, probably unofficially as no receipts were issued. On 7 July Pastor Cai Zhuohua faced court in Beijing charged with 'illegal business operations' for printing more than 200,000 Bibles and other Christian books. (As they were given away and not sold, there was no 'business'.) He is in prison awaiting sentence. On 22 July, 100 High School students were arrested at a Vocational Bible School in Hebei Province. The Public Security Bureau (PSB) interrogated them for hours before releasing them with the order not to gather again. On 26 July, a 400-member house church fellowship in Shanghai was ordered to close.

more...

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 1:49 PM