The 135-year-old Holy Trinity Church--or "Red Church," as the
brick edifice is commonly known--will become home to two Christian
communities in downtown Shanghai, officials have said.
The National Committee of Three-Self (Self-administration,
Self-supporting, Self-propagation) Patriotic Movement of the
Protestant Churches in China and the China Christian Council will
move into the church by the end of this year.
Big wooden signs with the names of the organizations were put in
place in the front of the historical building on Sunday. The church
has long been used for secular purposes and the hanging of the
nameplates indicates the building's return to the Christian
community.
Religious activities are expected to resume by this Sunday,
although the organizations' complete move will probably take some
time.
Ding Guangxun, honorary chairman of the committee, said the
relocation of the two organizations will substantially improve the
working conditions for their 60 staff members.
Most of the employees are Christians, said Xie Sheng, from the
China Christian Council.
Most have expressed a fondness for the building, which features
a 7,000-square-meter area for offices and worship on the ground
floor.
This is the latest act showing the government's support for
freedom of religion, according to Ding, who is also honorary
president of the China Christian Council.
According to the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Ethnic and
Religious Affairs, there are now more than 10 million Christians in
the country. The two organizations, as non-governmental groups,
administrate worship of all Chinese Christians.
The number of Christians in Shanghai is not available, but
residents of the port city--especially young people--are showing
strong interest in rituals and festivals related to Christianity,
such as Christmas.
Officials of the Municipal Commission of Ethnic and Religious
Affairs said they believe that citizens in China enjoy freedom of
religion in accordance with the Constitution. Normal religious
activities are protected.
According to incomplete statistics, there are more than 100,000
venues for religious activities nationwide, with a clergy numbering
about 300,000. In addition, there are more than 3,000 national and
local religious organizations, and 74 religious colleges and
schools.
Each religion publishes its own scriptures, books and
magazines.
To date, Chinese religious organizations have established
relations with counterpart organizations and personnel in more than
70 countries.
Earlier this year, construction of two Christian churches was
started in Beijing to meet the needs of both Chinese and foreigners
who reside there.
(China Daily June 9, 2004)