News
China seeks tips on how to boost Christianity
A section of Christians attending a crusade at Nakuru showground. A delegation from China is in Kenya to “copy good practices” that could help it grow Christianity within its borders. PHOTO/JOSEPH KIHERI
Posted Friday, May 13 2011 at 22:00
In Summary
- Beijing says it has embraced reform policy, allowing religious freedom and barring persecution
China wants to use Kenya to promote Christianity within its borders.
An 11-member delegation from the Far East country led by State for Religious Affairs minister Wang Zuoan is in Kenya to “copy good practices” that could help it grow Christianity.
The delegation, which is on a seven-day visit, will also find ways in which Christians in China can work with Kenyan churches, Mr Wang said.
There are five main religions in China: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam and Christianity.
However, Christians have faced persecution.
The majority of Chinese are Buddhists (66 per cent), while Taoists make up 30 per cent of the population. Christians and Muslims are a minority.
Although Mr Wang put the number of Christians at 23 million, other sources say the figure is more than 40 million as many of them do not want to be known for fear of oppression.
But on Friday, the minister, whose team met Anglican archbishop Eliud Wabukhala, said China had adopted a policy of reform.
“We have freedom of religious belief. We used to treat Christians as foreigners but we now treat them as our people. We have come to learn from Kenyans their good practices.
“This is the first religious visit by a Chinese delegation to Kenya. Religion is good for development,” the minister said at Bishop’s Gardens in Nairobi.
The biggest challenge facing Christians in China, he said, was lack of qualified clergy “to preach to the Christians so that they make their contribution to the society”.
Mr Wang said he was happy with the localisation of Anglican Church in Kenya after independence, so that all its bishops are locals.
“We want to enhance relations and cooperation between the Chinese Church and the Kenyan Church,” he said.
The relationship between the church and the government is crucial for development, according to the minister.
Archbishop Wabukhala said he was happy that Christianity was flourishing in China.
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Submitted by jojokenyaPosted May 14, 2011 03:53 PM
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Submitted by Sogy
Its a good move. The word of the Almighty God should be preached in China too before the King of kings appear.
Posted May 14, 2011 02:22 PM -
Submitted by rofi
They are looking in the wrong place. It is not Christianity practised in Kenya, it is lucrative, tax free business! I recommend they hire Deya and associates
Posted May 14, 2011 09:45 AM -
Submitted by sammie75
There is a difference btn Kenya and China that in Kenya people are free to worship and state is not scared of Yahweh and his assembly Israel(all believers in Messiah who walk and keep his commandments not some as were told).In china the state controls what to preach,pastor to appoint..,that why they have underground churches and they persecute those who want to be free from govt dectate.He say he is happy with localisation,for him its control,there is freedom in messiah.
Posted May 14, 2011 05:44 AM -
Submitted by polarise
Huh?
Posted May 14, 2011 01:25 AM
RSS
May the blood of Christ flow and cleanse the country so that many many more would turn to Him and Worship Him alone/only!