A Declaration for the Sake of the Christian Faith (3rd edition, 198 pastors)

Christian churches in China are eager and determined to walk the path of the cross of Christ and are more than willing to imitate the older generation of saints who suffered and were martyred for their faith. We are willing and obligated under any circumstance to face all government persecution, misunderstanding, and violence with peace, patience, and compassion. For when churches refuse to obey evil laws, it does not stem from any political agenda; it does not stem from resentment or hostility; it stems only from the demands of the gospel and from a love for Chinese society.

“ON AUGUST 30, 2018, A GROUP OF CHINESE CHRISTIAN PASTORS AND LEADERS ISSUED A JOINT STATEMENT, A DECLARATION FOR THE SAKE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH. THIS STATEMENT COMES AT A TIME OF INCREASING TENSION BETWEEN THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND CHINA’S CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY. AND MANY BELIEVE THIS MARKS A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT IN THE COUNTRY’S CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS.”

The background: China is raiding and shuttering churches, assaulting worshipers, destroying crosses and burning Bibles in escalating persecution of Christians under a Communist constitution that claims to grant religious freedom.