In many ways, today’s China is very different from the China of a generation ago. The headlines are full of stories of economic success.

There have also been big changes for some Christians. Visitors to Beijing and Shanghai might be surprised to see Christian bookshops selling Chinese and foreign titles, and churches of hundreds or even thousands meeting in large hotels.

However, even though unregistered churches enjoy more freedom than before, they are still technically ‘illegal’ if they are not registered with the official Protestant or Catholic associations. And the changes in the big cities aren’t reflected in rural areas, where Christians still face many restrictions on their religious activities, and are sometimes harassed, threatened, detained or prevented from meeting together.

We want to see progress in the cities reflected in law and policy, so that Christians everywhere in China can enjoy full freedom of religion.

This week please:

• Thank God that more and more Christians in Beijing and Shanghai can meet together to worship;
• Pray that officials won’t harass unregistered churches despite their ‘illegal’ status;
• Pray that the Chinese Government will allow churches and other religious groups to register outside the official religious associations if they choose;
• Ask God to encourage Christians in the countryside who are restricted, harassed and discriminated against because of their beliefs;
• Thank God for the amazing growth in the number of Christians in China;
• Pray that God will give Chinese officials a new and positive view of religious beliefs;
• Ask God to encourage Christians currently detained or ‘disappeared’ in connection with their faith, such as Alimujiang Yimiti and Bishop James Su Zhimin.