(Shanghai – May 30, 2024) On May 1, the official “Two organizations of Christianity/Lianghui,” (The National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China and The China Christian Council) issued an article interpreting the “Outline of the Five-Year Work Plan for Deeply Advancing the Sinicization of Christianity (2023-2027),” which was released in January.
The article, published on the official website of Christianity in China, points out that the focus of the Outline 2023-2027 is no longer just on the significance of the Sinicization of Christianity, but on the “how” of the “Sinicization” of Christianity. And that there is no longer a vague discussion of theological renewal, but rather a plan to begin with major theological themes such as the “theology of God.” “Christian theology,” “theology of humanity,” and “theology of the church,” are reflected upon and discussed in the context of Chinese culture, laying the foundation for the construction of a theological framework with Chinese characteristics.
The article also mentions, “In terms of content coverage, the ‘Outline’ not only involves artistic forms of expression such as sacred music, painting, and architecture but also focuses on the development of internal theological thought and others. The participating groups are no longer limited to clergy but extend to seminary students and grassroots volunteers, gradually making the Sinicization of Christianity a conscious thought and action of the Chinese church.”
The work priorities put forward by the two Christian organizations can be interpreted as the government’s orderly and systematic efforts to change the content of Christianity itself. This can be interpreted as the government’s orderly, step-by-step effort to erode and change the content of Christianity itself, wearing the sheep’s clothing of the “Sinicization” of Christianity, while it’s true intention is to alienate the Chinese church and believers with the heart of a wolf, and to cause Christianity to gradually depart from the teachings of Scripture, the traditions, and the beliefs of the early church.
The “Sinicization” of the official “Two organizations of Christianity” focuses on, first, implementing the Patriotic Education Law of the People’s Republic of China. It requires grassroots churches to prepare celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, and organize concerts, painting and calligraphy exhibitions, and essay competitions in a variety of forms. The aim was to guide clergy and religious people to love their country and socialism, and to identify with the motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Chinese Communist Party, and socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Secondly, in accordance with the requirements of comprehensive and strict governance of the church, organize symposiums or seminars to summarize and improve the governance model of the Chinese church under the leadership of the “Two organizations of Christianity,” and to improve the paradigm of “Chinese-style” church management. It serves as an opportunity to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the National Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee.
Third, in accordance with the requirements of the Annual Theological Seminar’s “2023-2027 Outline,” carry out theological discussions on God, integrate the excellent traditional Chinese culture, and expound the view of God from the Chinese perspective. Relevant theological papers should be written and published to lay the foundation for building a Christian theological system with Chinese characteristics.
Fourth, in conjunction with the provincial and municipal “Two organizations of Christianity,” seminars or training courses on the “Sinicization” of Christianity with distinctive themes should be organized. For example, training courses on the theory of the sinicization of Christianity should be held for pastoral workers, enriching the content of activities for the Sinicization of Christianity and expanding the positive impact of the Sinicization of Christianity.
The focus of the work of “Sinicization” also pointed out that the two official organizations of Christianity will hone in on the compilation of Chinese-language Bible commentaries, and will hold symposiums on the Sinicization of Christianity with the participation of political, religious and academic circles. “The two official organizations of Christianity intend to make use of media resources and various conferences and training opportunities to create a favorable atmosphere for the Sinicization of Christianity. And to clarify and correct the misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the Sinicization of Christianity by a small number of overseas individuals through the publicity of telling China’s story well.
The final step is to urge the Special Committee on the Sinicization of Christianity to expand publicity and implement the “2023-2027 Planning Outline” to develop Christianity based on China’s national conditions.
This five-year work plan, titled “Five-Year Work Plan Outline for Deepening the Sinicization of Christianity (2023-2027),” was carried out under the direct instruction and management of the Chinese Communist Party. It was implemented through the Religious Affairs Bureau, its affiliated official Christian organizations, and by inserting red “underground” operatives within the church.
In the current political environment in China where the church faces comprehensive suppression, the ultimate goal of the religious “Sinicization” policy is to mutate and transform Christianity, making it a subordinate organization of the Chinese Communist Party. The Chinese government fundamentally will not permit the existence of any movement within Christianity that is unfavorable to its regime, unless it serves the political interests of that regime.
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