In China, only the "three-self" churches are legally recognised by the government. "Three-self" means to be self-propagating, self-supporting and self-financing. Continued crackdowns against "unofficial" religious groups have been allegedly observed in many parts of the country.
From 1st March, new regulations on religions were implemented in China. The new rules say that "anyone who compels any citizen to believe in or not believe in any religions...shall be ordered to make corrections by the religious affairs department" and could face criminal charges.
This law has been said to have the aim of reinforcing the protection of "normal" religious activities in the wake of the rise of the Falun Gong movement which the Chinese authorities have defined as a cult. However, observers are concerned that the Chinese government is tightening its hand on the recognised religious bodies behind the scenes. The Chinese government has strongly emphasised the need for faith groups to contribute actively to the stability and harmony of Chinese society.
Rev Cao responded that religious freedom required a legal framework to guarantee security and stability for both the churches and the government, according to Simon Barrow.
The China Christian Council (CCC) was formed in 1980, after the re-opening of churches in 1979. There are also Christian Councils in each of the provinces. They seek to organise and service the life of local congregations, which form part of the post-denominational Protestant church.
Rev Cao added that the CCC, especially through its Bible ministry, aimed to support all Christians in China, not just those who recognised the three-self principles.
In fact, the presence of the Chinese delegation yesterday is of strong historical significance.
"This is our first visit to Athens, and it is also the first time we have been part of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism through this gathering," the Rev Cao was quoted by Ekklesia - a UK-based Christian think-tank.
Rev Cao encouraged Chinese Christians to seek unity among themselves and peaceful relations with other faiths, including Catholicism. The Chinese authorities strictly ban all the religious groups or churches loyal to the Roman Catholic Pope.
