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I was not aware that there were even any openly Christian churches, state-registered or not.

That's an amazing statement. I'm not sure what school of Christianity you identify with but the Southern Baptist, Catholic, conservative Lutheran, Assemblies of God and large nondenominationals have been all over the situation in China for decades, informing their congregations about the persecutions over there and the struggles Christians are going through in China.

There have been thousands of stories in the Christian media about the situation for years and hundreds of stories even in the MSM, including the Washington Post, NY Times, Wall Street journal, CNN, FNC and others.

He made a mistake, and he owned up to it as soon as he realized the true situation.

You mischaracterize the situation.

he started by advocating that Christians apostatize.

When actual Christians raised a hue and cry about this vile advice, he responded by saying "Um, I have no opinion any more. Not my role. Do what you want."

A true Christian would express solidarity with millions of Chinese Christians being persecuted by the Chinese government - he wouldn't just slink off and say "forget the whole thing."

Man, us Christians sure do know all about mercy and grace, huh?

If he had said: "I was wrong. The Chinese government should immediately stop persecuting Christians and allow all Chinese Christians to worship freely without government interference" you would have a point.

But someone who, in effect, says that it doesn't matter to him one way or another if the Chinese government persecutes Christians - well grace may be free, but it is not cheap.

"An American evangelist has apologized for saying during a recent visit to China that the religious freedom situation there was better than expected, and for saying that "underground" Christians should register with church associations set up by the communist government."

He apologized for saying this. What is there not to understand?

"In response to Palau, a U.S. spokeswoman for the South China Church said in a statement that 16 of the denomination's leaders were currently in prison in China, and more than 1,000 of its pastors, evangelists and believers had been jailed since 2001."

This is what satan wants covered up. He preyed upon a mind that was not properly prepared to go into a godless country. Yes, this is Mr Palau's fault. He should know about spiritual persecution and wound up a bad influence on our president.

""Palau said he regretted some of his comments. "It's not my role as an evangelist to suggest that churches in China should register," he said. "My role is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ." "

If your role is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, then the people will come to realize what is fake and what is not.

That's an amazing statement. ...informing their congregations about the persecutions over there

Would you mind actually reading my statements? If you would bother to go back and read what I wrote, you would see that I said I wasn't aware that there were any Christian churches, state registered or not. I was not aware that ANY Christian churches were allowed.

Yes, absolutely, I am aware of the persecution of Christians in China. Our Sunday morning bible study class is sponsoring a missionary couple in China, and we know, first hand, about the persecution.

Now, what's so amazing about me not knowing that there were any churches that were openly allowed by the Chinese government?

he started by advocating that Christians apostatize

Uh, no. He was deceived into making a statement that was incorrect. He erred. He was wrong.

he responded by saying "Um, I have no opinion any more. Not my role. Do what you want."

Uh, no. He responding by saying he regretting calling for the churches to register, and he shouldn't have done so.

But someone who, in effect, says that it doesn't matter to him one way or another if the Chinese government persecutes Christians - well grace may be free, but it is not cheap.

You are absolutely putting words in his mouth. That's not what he said at all. It's funny that you're the only one on this thread who believes that this was his intent.

He messed up, he fessed up. That's what Christians do. Maybe you've got some other agenda and you just see this as your opportunity to slam this man of God.

I guess, I'll probably be next. Fine, whatever.