07/10/2021 China (International Christian Concern) – On September 28, the Shaanxi Province “Sinicization of Christianity Research Center” held a launching ceremony and celebrated the successful closing of the “Chang’an Forum,” a symposium on sinization of Christianity in the biblical school of Shaanxi.

Various government officials, such as those responsible for provincial ethnic and religious affairs, the head of ethnic and religious affairs at the United Front, and the chairman of the two state-sanctioned provincial Protestant organizations (Lianghui) all were present to congratulate the launch.

Pastor Wang Jun who presides over Shaanxi Lianghui made a remark, saying that the establishment of such a center is a great event with historical significance, a major action taken by Shaanxi Lianghui to promote the sinization of Christianity.

A researcher from the Shaanxi Academy of Social Sciences hired to advise the center gave the following suggestions for the sinization of Christianity: 1) insist on the theology of Christianity to focus primarily on the spirituality of the people; 2) learn to implement the sinification of Christianity from history; 3) start the research from a global perspective; 4) actively seek current research trends and development; 5) learn and integrate Confucianism, and 6) take a variety of approaches to spreading the gospel.

President Xi Jinping coined the term “sinicization” for the first time in 2015 in the hope that all religions in China will comply with the policies of the Communist Party of China (CCP). It is not surprising that the CCP has since implemented regulations to compel religious people to practice their faith in accordance with the CCP ideology. Hundreds of churches have had their crosses removed, biblical couplets removed, and have been called upon to hold a flag-raising ceremony accordingly.

For interviews, please contact Addison Parker: [email protected].