The Church and the Olympic Games

As the Olympics approach, world attention will be on China as never before. But the Church in China waits – and wonders what the months ahead will bring.

Preparations for the Beijing Olympics in August have triggered unprecedented concern about human rights in China – and not just for Christians.

In January it was reported that 57 lawyers, academics, editors, writers and civil rights campaigners had signed a letter urging the government "to make good use of the opportunity to make the Olympics a truly grand event for the Chinese nation” by proving that it has made efforts to improve human rights.

The Communist Party is said to have stepped up curbs on non-governmental organisations, the media, the Internet, lawyers, academics and civil rights' campaigners to maintain its grip on power.

President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pottering, marked the European New Year by saying he hoped the Olympics would be a chance for China to show it is committed to internationally recognised human rights standards, including freedom of expression.

Open Doors has built its relationship with the Persecuted Church in China over many years – and we will still be standing with them after the Olympic frenzy is over. But during the countdown to the Games, the situation for the Church is uncertain.

An interview with Open Doors' director for China

What impact are the Olympic Games having on the Church?
The authorities are afraid that society will become unstable, so they want to have a hold on all aspects of society – including the house churches. In the Olympic cities in particular surveillance has increased considerably.

Why do people say that when it comes to persecution, China has two faces?
The rural churches see their young people leaving for the big cities, where the standard of living is improving – so much so that the Church outside the large towns is actually decreasing in size, while churches in the cities are growing. But they face a great challenge, because they do not know how they should deal with the migrants.

Why is it so difficult for people from the country to adapt to life in the cities?
The standard of living, the education and the culture are so different. The rural areas are 20 years behind. We are helping city house churches to receive and support people from rural backgrounds. Many young people from the rural areas become disappointed with the Church in the city and lose their faith. This is why our youth work is so important. We want to help young people discover God's plan for their lives.

Why don’t house churches join the official Three Self Church?
If a house church becomes registered, the authorities gain a lot of influence – they can appoint the pastors, for example. What's more, you can only tell other people about the Gospel in the Church - and the government churches do not always preach the true Gospel. In most areas churches are not permitted to have a Sunday School. Legally no children can be involved in any expression of religion: so baptising anyone under 18 is forbidden.

Can you describe what it is like to meet in a house church?
In the past, about 20 people would meet for a service in a city house church: now perhaps five or ten. They want to avoid getting into difficulties. So the windows and curtains are closed and the meetings are very quiet. Sometimes the neighbours do not even know that there is a meeting. Most house churches are not willing to meet with foreigners at all. That would attract too much attention.

Are there still raids on house churches? What happens?
In the Olympic cities and in certain provinces there are still raids. The house church is then told that they are no longer allowed to meet. They are also fined. The pastor is usually put behind bars for a few days. Then the police try to ‘re-educate' him, saying “What you are doing is illegal. Why do you not join the Three Self Church? Then we would not bother you any more.”

Most are not daunted by this. The fine is more of a problem. Usually the pastors are the poorest people in the community. In the towns they are supported by the church members. In the countryside they have to scratch out a living for themselves, often as farmers. In order to help them, Open Doors has now started socio-economic assistance on a small scale.

Why is there still so much persecution in the countryside?
Although the central government is doing its best to counter corruption, it still exists, particularly in the rural areas. Many policemen are looking for ways of extorting money from people. If you are holding 'illegal' meetings, you are an easy target. So you are arrested and fined. It happens so regularly that it becomes part of everyday life.

What will happen after the Olympics?
I expect that the pressure on the Church will again be reduced and that China will continue to modernise. We also hope that Christian books will finally become available. But there are no signs which indicate that we can expect any more changes in the area of freedom of religion. China is becoming increasingly open, but this applies mainly to secular China. Despite the persecution, the Chinese Church is and remains very positive. The Christians are continuing to tell their fellow-citizens about God and the Bible.