Is it illegal to believe in Christianity in China?
Citizens of the People’s Republic of China enjoy freedom of religious belief. No state organ, public organization or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or not to believe in, any religion; nor may they discriminate against citizens who believe in, or do not believe in, any religion.
Can you have a Bible in China?
The Bible is printed in China but legally available only at church bookstores approved by Beijing. Roughly two years ago, the Chinese government banned online Bible sales. Audio Bible players, nevertheless, have become popular with people of faith in China because of their ease of use.
Is Christianity legal in Japan?
Japan’s Meiji government lifted the ban on Christianity in 1873. Some hidden Christians rejoined the Catholic Church. Others chose to remain in hiding — even to this day.
When did Christianity start to spread in China?
The first documentation of Christianity entering China was written on an 8th-century stone tablet known as the Nestorian Stele. It records that Christians reached the Tang dynasty capital Xi’an in 635 and were allowed to establish places of worship and to propagate their faith. The leader of the Christian travelers was Alopen.
Is there any evidence of Christianity in China?
However, to date, there is little to no archaeological evidence or knowledge about the pre-Nestorian classical Chinese and/or Tocharian church. Two (possibly Nestorian) monks were preaching Christianity in India in the 6th century before they smuggled silkworm eggs from China to the Byzantine Empire.
Who are the silent majority of Christians in China?
Members of such groups are said to represent the “silent majority” of Chinese Christians and they also represent many diverse theological traditions.
How many Protestants and Catholics are there in China?
Accurate data on Chinese Christians is hard to access. In the early 2000s, there were approximately 38 million Protestants and 10-12 million Catholics, with a smaller number of Evangelical and Orthodox Christians.