Conference Voices: The State of Chinese Urban Churches
The Chinese government’s determined, persistent removal of church crosses emerged onto the international stage in early 2014 and remained a focal topic throughout the whole year. This would not have happened 20 years ago, because there were no tall churches with prominent crosses on top. It will not happen 20 years from now, for the state-church relationship will largely be settled by then. This series of events can only take place at this particular time of a transitioning China, which is full of symbols and meaning. It provides a rare opportunity to peek into the state of the country and of the church at this specific moment.
