Posted on 07/06/2005 10:53:44 PM PDT by Crackingham
The leader of an underground Chinese church is due to appear in a Beijing court on Thursday, accused of illegally printing more than 200,000 Bibles. Cai Zhuohua, along with his wife and two other church members, has been charged with "illegal business practices", his lawyers have said.
The Protestant pastor has already been in detention for 10 months.
Although Bibles are not illegal in China, only one firm is permitted by the state to print them.
The country's Christians are also only allowed to worship in state-approved churches, although many people prefer to attend underground or "house" churches such as Pastor Cai's.
Mr Cai's lawyer, Gao Zhisheng, conceded that he was not optimistic about the verdict for the three detainees.
"It is impossible for them to be found innocent, but I have confidence to strive for lighter sentences," Mr Gao told the French news agency AFP.
"The books in no way were going to enter the market, they were to be given away free of charge to the church members," he added.
"The court should not be used to oppress religion and religious freedoms, but the authorities are always using economics as a pretext to deal with religious and political issues."
These three people have real guts.
Kind of puts out freedoms into perspective, doesn't it?
And far too many Christians here are afraid to witness to others - primarily because of social fears. Yet these brave folks literally put their lives on the line to spread the Gospel.
Prayers for these heroes. That they not be made martyres for this.
Note how the reporter carries the party line for the ChiComs. Should be a simple matter to get a Bible then. Just order one from that company. What's the problem?
Religious freedom is not a ChiCom belief. I'd like to know how many Bibles that company has printed and sold...and if the authorities "register" those who buy a Bible from this "one firm". That'd make for good journalism now wouldn't it? instead of just reporting the party line.
Communist State approved version must have nuggets of wisdom like, "Render unto the State, what is the State's, and obey the State for this is good."
Or, "Unto the meek and the humble shall fall the blessings of the State."
And, "Thou shalt not covet they neighbor's cow. Report all unauthorized possessions to your district bailiff."
Absolutely.
I saw that article and am praying for the pastor and the people in China.
Hey, what's 200,000 Bibles? How many AK-47 type rifles did the Chinese supply to all sorts of terrorist organisations?
May Heaven protect this brave man, wherever he may be and in whatever he has to endure.
Wait until the Lefties hear about this. This is soo much worse than falsifying a story about flushing a koran. The Libs will pitch a furious fit about this one.
Wait until the Lefties hear about this. This is soo much worse than falsifying a story about flushing a koran. The Libs will pitch a furious fit about this one.
Either you forgot your sarcasm tag or you meant to say that the Libs' party will reach a furious pitch.
Good sarcasm needs no tag.
Good sarcasm needs no tag.
Obviously, even I knew what you were saying.
Christ promised: "In the world, you will have tribulation. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you for my namesake."
Persecution is also coming upon Believers in the United States.
bibles? bibles? hang him.
Idiots.
. . . and allow it to collect dust.
May the Lord be glorified through these people.
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