Chinese Christians Blocked from World Evangelization Conference
China (MNN) ? The ThirdInternational Congress on World Evangelization in Lausanne kicks off tomorrow in Cape Town, South Africa, and ends on October 25th.
It's an evangelical gathering of church leaders from all over the world, amassing to work more efficiently together for the Gospel. In past meetings, major ministry directions, like the 10/40 Window, got defined.
This year, the event will be attended by about 4,000 church leaders from over 200 nations.
The first Lausanne Congress was in 1974, after which the Lausanne Covenant was created, aimed at keeping the mission alive. When the second Congress convened in 1989 in Manilla, 200 seats were empty.
These seats belonged to the delegation from China. This year, as the third Congress convenes, those same seats are likely to be empty once more. Bob Fu is the China analyst for Voice of the Martyrs USA and the founder of China Aid Association. "At least 21 Lausanne delegates in Beijing were prevented from going. Most of them, among the 200, were all blocked from either the airport or even in their homes, under house arrest."
China's Foreign Ministry accused the Lausanne organizers of not issuing an official invitation to China's state-controlled church and of having secret communications with Christians from private assemblies.
However, Fu says the official church approached the Lausanne organizers and expressed interest, but refused to sign the Lausanne Covenant which specifically requires members to commit to world evangelism and the Great Commission.
Authorities then warned delegates against attending, detaining one for 15 days, confiscating passports, and preventing still others from leaving their homes. Fu explains, "Unfortunately, the Chinese government designated this evangelical world conference as ‘anti-China.'"
The delegates are also members of the unregistered house church movement. Unfortunately, consequences by association are a reality. "The churches associated with those delegates are already facing a crackdown."
There is also a growing concern that this could signal more trouble for China's underground Christians. "The churches that are associated nationwide in China will be caught up by this new wave of persecution."
Since the Manilla Congress in 1989, tens of millions of Christians in China are thriving in the Church of Jesus Christ, and China experiences the fastest growth of Christians. They deserve to be heard amongst the global body.
Fu is calling for action. "The Lausanne delegation should speak up for those who suffer for their testimony to the Lord Jesus, and promise to pray and work for their freedom. The Lausanne Covenant says, ‘We refused to be intimidated by their fate."'
Fu also urges believers to "pray for their family members, and pray that they will stand firm on the Gospel and without compromising their faith."