Reports of house churches may hint at policy change

• Source: Global Times
• [21:45 May 06 2010]
• Comments

The government should also allow religious groups to do charity and non-profit social services. Although these groups can donate now, they can't show their religious identity when doing charity.

That's discrimination, actually. For religious groups, charity and non-profit social services are quite important according to their doctrines and for their development.

I suggest that China chooses several regions or cities as pilot places for religious affairs management system reform.

We can learn from experiences there and then promote it nationally.

GT: How do you see the influence of house churches on social stability?

Liu: That depends. If the government tries to crack down on these unregistered religious groups, they will resist, as believers generally have a firm faith in their doctrines.

If the government adopts a more practical policy and lets religious groups have equal access to society, it will enable them to play a positive social role.

Actually, what the religious believers really care about is whether they can practise their religious faith freely.

GT: Does the increased coverage of house churches in the official Chinese media indicate a shift in policy?

Liu: I personally think it indicates something. Any reform should first prepare public opinion.

The government may have realized that the current religious affairs management system cannot provide a good solution for the new issues they are facing today.

GT: Do Chinese house churches have any connections with foreign groups?

Liu: Christian groups around the world have some connections with each other, but the connection is not a subordinate or organizational relationship.

China's house churches and foreign groups have connections. In the past, some house churches did receive some financial support from overseas, but now the connections are mainly religious or spiritual.

So it's Chinese who control China's house churches and decide their development, not foreigners or foreign countries.

House churches' financial capacity in China is growing quickly as China's economy, so they don't need financial support from abroad.

House churches' relationship with Christian believers in other countries won't change their position as good citizens. Abiding by relevant laws and regulations is always their priority.

However, if they cannot practice their religious faiths, their situation will receive a high concern and attention from believers internationally.

GT: How will China's house churches develop in the future?

Liu: China is experiencing a faith crisis. People need faith or religion to meet their spiritual needs.

If such needs cannot be met, the pursuit of spiritual value will continue. In this case, religious growth will be natural and unavoidable.

If China keeps its current policy, house churches will develop continually.

If the government adopts strict management and limitations, house churches will develop a more flexible way to grow. So the government faces a dilemma.

If the government can make a rule of law for religions and let all the religious groups compete freely, the issue of house churches will no longer exist.