MINISTRY//The Party or your position

Christian public school teachers in China are forbidden to promote, even mention, their faith in Jesus. That makes the following story about a funeral service in a church where a 316NOW student is a lay leader quite remarkable. (There's more information about teaching in Chinese public schools below.)

The church one of my students was preparing for a memorial service for a Christian who was also a local school teacher. The congregation was excited as it prepared special choir music for that service. Members knew there would be many public school teachers at the service. The service would provide them with the chance to hear the gospel!

There was a public school teacher at the church whose supervisor told her that being a member of the Communist Party and of the Christian Church was not acceptable. "You should leave the church," he told her.

The Christian, to her credit, replied, "If I must have only one, I will stay with my church."  The supervisor (to his credit) backed down a bit. He granted that the Christian could stay in the church, but also that she should keep membership in the Party. 

Not all Christians who are teachers in China have supervisors who are willing to break the rules. Pray for Chinese Christians. Ask that the Spirit helps them to stay strong in the faith and to share their faith.

_______________________________________

More on teaching in Chinese public schools

Chinese government policy dictates that public school teachers must not openly profess any religious belief. Specifically, they must sign an affidavit that promises they will abide by these commitments: 

• They must firmly establish the Marxist perspective on religion, reinforce atheistic education and study,

• They must pledge to be nonreligious, to no participation in religious activities, and to not publicize or spread religion in any venue,

• They must actively advocate for the new socialist civilization and tendencies,

• They must not publicize feudal superstitions and not engage in feudal superstitious activities. Examples of feudal superstitions include traditional Chinese religion, fortune-telling, and feng shui. 

Teachers who are members of the Communist Party must promise not to believe any religious faith.

Source: China Aid