Much has been written about China’s human rights record, but little has been noted about how it treats Christians.
CBN has asked whether ‘Christians Evangelize at the Beijing Olympics?’ The son of American evangelist Billy Graham said he is opposed to illegal missionary work at this summer’s Beijing Olympic Games.
While some Christian groups have said they plan to proselytize during the August games, Graham said he was against that because Chinese law does not permit such actions. “I would not support any illegal activity at all,” Graham said. A view which has disappointed others.
Carl Moeller, head of the Open Doors U.S.A. group defending persecuted Christians worldwide, told Mission Network News: “We’re actually encouraging travellers to the Olympic Games to call Open Doors, to visit Open Doors and to get from us some materials that are specifically designed for evangelism during the Olympic Games. We feel like evangelism during the Olympic Games will be a tremendous opportunity.”
Reuters commented: ‘There are often calls to keep politics out of the Olympics. Does the same hold for religion?’
1 response so far ↓
cindyinsd // June 27, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Hi there,
It’s hard for me to believe Franklin Graham would say such a thing. I have to wonder whether it might not have been taken out of context in some way. I hope so.
As Open Doors is fond of saying, every door is open to share the gospel at any time. That said, we must be led by the Holy Spirit. China’s government also forbids teaching the resurrection of Christ or telling children about Jesus. Do we obey that? Do the Chinese? No.
They are courageous people, empowered by God’s Spirit. They obey lawful laws, but not laws that require them to rebel against the true authority–God. They often pay a heavy and painful price for this.
Pretty much every time I buy anything (it’s nearly all made in China), I wonder, “Was this item made by a brother or sister in chains?” Because of this, I avoid buying unnecessary things. We must all pray for the church in China. If we belong to Jesus, we’ll be spending eternity with them. Wouldn’t it be good to be able to say that we at least prayed for them?
Grace and Peace,
Cindy