An official with the World Council of Churches has said that the Chinese church is experiencing unprecedented growth.
Mathews George Chunakara, WCC's Director of International Affairs and Public Witness, stated that there had been a "unique and explosive growth" of Christianity of late.
"I have been visiting China for the last 15 years. I am astounded to see the tremendous growth there. Their worship places are now overflowing," Chunakara told New Delhi-based Christian Today in an interview.
"It is not just the poor you see in churches,” he added. ”Even the rich and educated are embracing Christianity. Beijing and Shanghai are the proof.”
There are estimated to be about 130 million Christians in China today compared to only 3 million in the early 1970s.
While in the past the Communist government clamped down on religious activities, the growth in the Chinese church has largely been viewed with a benevolent eye.
"The Chinese government will not raid unless provoked,” Chunakara said. “Now being the fastest growing economy, they know the importance of a harmonious society. To promote such a society, they are giving religion a special role."
Just one example is the Communist Government’s amendment of the Chinese Constitution two years ago to accommodate the role of religion.
"You could not expect such a thing to happen 15 years ago," Chunakara said.
There is still occasional persecution of Christians but mainly against those belonging to unofficial house churches.
Chunakara also noted that, in general, the Church is growing rapidly in many Asian countries. He concluded: “Not only China, in many Asian countries the Church is expanding. More people are coming to God. In addition, the participation of young people is absolutely remarkable in comparison with those in West. There is genuine spiritual eagerness among the grassroot level people.”