Both Penner and Nettleton gave mention of well-known Chinese pastors that have been arrested, beaten, or jailed for their faith as evidence that religious freedom in China is not as Palau claims.
“I wonder how Mr. Palau would explain his comment to Christians like Li Ying, who is serving a 15-year prison sentence for publishing a Christian magazine. Or to Cai Zhuohua, sentenced this month to serve three years in a labour camp for printing Bibles and other Christian literature (the government only allows one printer to print Bibles, and those are not available except to the registered churches),” Penner questioned.
“Or to Gong Shengliang, serving a life sentence for his Christian work with the South China Church. Or to Christian businessman Tong Qimiao, who suffered severe injuries at the hands of police when he was arrested and then denied hospital treatment and whose business was forced to close when he demanded that those responsible for his abuse to be punished.”
Nettleton, also made mention of the family of Jiang Zongxiu, who was beaten to death in police custody in June, 2004 after being arrested for giving out Bibles and Christian literature in the marketplace.
“I suspect all of them would be surprised to hear that there is now more freedom in China,” Nettleton wrote.
“How does Mr. Palau respond to documents smuggled out of China this year that provide concrete evidence that the persecution policies are being directed from the Central Government in Beijing; not only from local or provincial authorities,” Penner continued. “This directly contradicts Mr. Palau's assertion that ‘It could just be local authorities acting on their own accord.’”
Though Nettleton expressed strong disapproval of Palau’s statements, the VOM spokesman also expressed appreciation for the work he’s done through the years to spread the gospel.
As one of the most respected evangelists in the Spanish-speaking world today Palau has taken the message of hope to an estimated 20 million people in 70 nations through the ministry that bears his name. Palau is well known for the evangelistic festivals he has held over the years. Recent festivals included Washington, D.C.; Madrid, Spain; and Mendoza, Argentina.
“Thank you, Mr. Palau, for your years of faithful service to the King,” Nettleton concluded. “Please honour our suffering brothers and sisters in China by retracting your call for all Christians in China to register with the Communist government. Coming under control of an atheistic government is not the answer to Christian persecution in China.”
Michelle Vu
Christian Today Correspondent
