Scholars on Christianity in China will Speak on Growth of Illegal Christians in China on March 13

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Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321

WACO, Texas (March 9, 2017) – As millions of Christians worship illegally in officially atheist China, persecution of Chinese Christians and other faith groups has gotten worse in recent years, according to a new report from U.S.-based NGO Freedom House.

A number of events are happening simultaneously that could have varying outcomes, according to J. Gordon Melton, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of American Religious History at Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR).

• Chinese President Xi is circulating a revised set of rules to govern registered religious bodies, especially the churches.
• There is a proposal for the unregistered churches to be allowed to register apart from the currently registered churches.
• The Pope and the President of China have been exchanging correspondence on the issue of appointing bishops for the Catholic Church in China.

Two outstanding scholars of Christianity in China, Fenggang Yang and Richard Madsen, will speak about the revival of Christianity in China at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 13, in Paul W. Powell Chapel in George W. Truett Theological Seminary, 1301 S. University Parks Drive.

“Suddenly, a changed situation more favorable to religion in general and Christianity in particular has arisen,” Melton said. “These hold the prospect of change and for some, danger of China subverting the church.”

The situation is worsening for Protestants, but the relationship between the Vatican and Beijing seem to be improving, according to a CNN report. Pope Francis has shown interest in visiting China. Currently, Beijing doesn’t recognize the authority of the Pope, meaning bishops are appointed by Chinese Catholic churches.

The changes raise a number of questions that will be addressed at the symposium entitled “A Relationship in Transition: The Christian Church and China.”

• Given the spectacular growth of the church that has happened outside the system, would being incorporated into it stop the continuation of its outreach?
• Would the development of a friendly relationship with an atheist government compromise the churches’ witness?
• As the situation in China continues to change, how should Christians outside of China show their support for the continued mission of China’s Christians?

Fenggang Yang, Ph.D., professor of sociology and director of Center on Religion and Chinese Society at Purdue University, will speak on “The Protestant Churches in Contemporary China.” Richard Madsen, Ph.D., professor of sociology at the University of California, San Diego, and director of Fudan-UC Center on Contemporary China, will speak on “Changing Catholicism and the Chinese State.”
Baylor University respondents for the event, who will provide opening and closing remarks, include David Lyle Jeffrey, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Literature and the Humanities at the Honors College; Daniel Williams, Ph.D., professor of religion in patristics and historical theology in the department of religion; and Melton.

This event, hosted by ISR, is free and open to the public.

by Kelsey Dehnel, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

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Launched in August 2004, the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR) exists to initiate, support and conduct research on religion, involving scholars and projects spanning the intellectual spectrum: history, psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, political science, epidemiology, theology and religious studies. The institute’s mandate extends to all religions, everywhere, and throughout history, and embraces the study of religious effects on prosocial behavior, family life, population health, economic development and social conflict. While always striving for appropriate scientific objectivity, ISR scholars treat religion with the respect that sacred matters require and deserve. For more information, visit www.baylorisr.org