Conference In Hong Kong Addresses The Future Of Christianity In China

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Staff in Asia, Christian, News // 2 Comments

A four-day conference aimed at discussing the future of Christianity within the communist nation of China wrapped up on Saturday in Hong Kong.

Christian Daily reports,

Last week, theologians and leaders from various background and denominations gathered in Hong Kong to talk about the present problems of Christian churches and communities in China. The conference organized by the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Network (EIIRN) finally came to an end on Saturday, Vatican Radio details.

Although Christianity — which includes the Catholic Church and many Protestant denominations — is one of the five approved faiths in China, they are required to affiliate with two state-run patriotic church organizations. Underground Christians who refused to do so have been persecuted and imprisoned.

One Jesuit theologian who has established ties with China told the delegates of the EIIRN conference that Chinese leaders want to resolve an existing conflict between Beijing and the Vatican. The said conflict stemmed from the issue of appointment of Catholic bishops, and the theologian said this could be a key to uplifting the situation of the millions of Catholics in China.

Christianity has been under attack in the past year within the communist Chinese government, from the mass removal of Christian crosses atop buildings throughout the country, to the closer of churches in the Chinese city hosting this years G20 summit.

Written & Edited By Bart Charles Begley