China has only 16 million Christians, officials insist

0 Comments | Asian Political News, August 9, 2004

HONG KONG, Aug. 5 Kyodo

Chinese religious leaders visiting Hong Kong insist there are only 16 million Christians in China, far below 80 million estimated by overseas advocacy groups.

The Rev. Deng Fucun, vice chairman of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, an umbrella body of registered churches, said, ''Of course, I would like to see there are 80 million believers in China, but in fact there are just 16 million.''

Asked if the figure included underground churches, Deng said, ''The idea of underground churches is a misconception. How can there be a secretive gathering with hundreds of people assembling?''

The estimate of 80 million first emerged when ''Jesus in Beijing,'' a book written by former Time magazine journalist David Aikman, was released last October.

Aikman concluded Christianity was the fastest-growing religion in China and was expanding at an exponential rate.

The China Aid Association, a U.S.-based Christian rights group, said in a press release in February that officials ordered crackdowns on underground churches and their followers in an attempt to curb the growth.

In China, churches are required to register under the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, but many churches choose to operate without registration so as to maintain autonomy from the government.

Religious rights groups often report persecution of unregistered churches and adherents in China, but officials have categorically denied such practices.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom put China on a list of countries of particular concern in February.

According to an April 2002 government report, China has 200 million religious adherents.

Buddhism is the most influential, followed by Roman Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, Islam and Taoism.

Deng was speaking after the opening ceremony of the ''Exhibition of Bible Ministry of the Churches in China.''

Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong's chief executive, and Bishop Ding Guangxun, chairman of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and vice chairman of the National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, were also present at the ceremony.

The exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will run until Aug. 8.