Christian Students in China Must Now Live in "Absolute Obedience" to Communist Party

Leah Marieann Klett : Jul 28, 2016
Gospel Herald

Chinese officials recently warned Christian parents that if they continue to take their children to churches not approved by the government, their offspring will be banned from attending college or serving in the military, and will face legal action.

(China)—[Gospel Herald] Christian students in China are being forced to live under "absolute obedience" to the Communist party as the government continues to tighten its grip on the growth of Christianity. (Photo: Chinese Christians/ALAMY/via Gospel Herald)

China Aid correspondent Guo Baosheng said in a translated report that video has emerged of students at a graduation ceremony at Zhejiang Theological Seminary singing the Chinese anthem, which indicates that the institution is controlled by the State.

"It is obvious the seminary has degenerated into absolute obedience to the Communist Party's so-called Christian pastors' education base, becoming a Communist Party school dressed in the cloak of Christianity," Guo wrote.

"In this way, they submit to Caesar and [operate] contrary to God. They distort the true way [to God], and [these actions] will certainly accelerate the demise of the Three-Self Church and its seminary."

The seminary's president, Pastor Pan Xingwang, reportedly supports the "Three Rectifications and One Demolition," or "Cross Demolition" campaign, which has seen the removal of over 1,5000 church crosses since 2013. Chinese authorities have also detained and arrested more than 250 attorneys, pastors, and human rights activists for protesting the cross removals.

During the 2016 spring semester opening ceremony, Pan reportedly said: "Over the past year, within the Christian churches of Zhejiang, something took place that we do not want to see, and we do not want to hear. Please learn this lesson and pray for the churches..."

Click here to continue reading.