04/30/2019 China (International Christian Concern) – The government of China only sanctions two church groups: The Protestant Three-Self Church and the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Church. Over a third of China’s Christian population attends one of these congregations which are closely monitored and guided by the government. The rest worship in secret churches.

In the Henan province, officials are requiring the pastors of sanctioned churches to take a test to ensure their beliefs are in alignment with the government. The test consisted of a written sermon portion and a questionnaire. The sermon has to incorporate communist ideology and affirm traditional beliefs such as ancestral worship.

Along with being forced to incorporate these beliefs, some contrary to Biblical teaching, these pastors are also forced to exclude discussions of heaven or hell from their sermons. Some Chinese pastors are concerned that they will soon be more manipulated by the government as political agents.

This overstep by the Chinese government continues the cycle of Christian oppression and restricts religious freedom. If this infringement continues, Chinese Christians will not be able to worship freely and biblically.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].