Last month the Chinese authorities tore down Sanjiang church in the city of Wenzhou, a city known as the Jerusalem of the East.

 

There are also recent incidents reported in which the government destroyed objects of Catholic devotion while Catholics stood by weeping.

 

Christianity, both Protestant and Catholic, is flourishing in China, where on any given Sunday there are probably more Christians worshiping there than in Europe. Government authorities have explained that they feel that Christianity is growing too rapidly.

 

The faithful must feel wounded by the assaults on the Faith by a secular government. But in these emotions they share to some extent in the wounds of Christ, who suffered the contempt and violence of a ruling body which seemed uncertain of its authority.  Their suffering is a sign of the power and vitality of Christianity, which is often a cause of anxiety to secular power.

 

I wrote this tribute to our brothers and sisters in Christ in China:

 

FRIENDS OF CHRIST IN CHINA

 

When churches are pulled down

The stone rolls from the tomb,

As the pillars crumble

Christ appears again

 

            The dead rise up, the living

Give witness to His splendor

Eternal and abiding,

Death destroyed forever

 

On glory He is seated

We know He is arisen,

Although we are offended

Although we are in prison

 

Friends of Christ in China

Our Savior conquers all,

The Victim and the Victor

Although the columns fall

 

 

 

The house of earth dissolving

The house of faith endures,

Eternal and triumphant

His victory assured

 

As He rose in glory

We are in Him restored,

Unconquered and unbeaten,

 

He is the risen Lord