Christian Groups Enter China, Evading Ban on Foreign Missionaries

The Associated Press reported yesterday that a number of Christian groups came into China to proselytise during the Olympics, despite the Chinese ban on foreign missionaries. They entered on tourist visas, and told authorities they were involved in sports or cultural activities. However, once in the country, they began to reach out to individuals to share their faith. Among the groups sending people into China were Awaken Generation, the Southern Baptist Convention, and Youth With A Mission. Asked about the activities, China's religious affairs administration office said: "If foreigners do such things in China, they violate the law, and local religious departments and other departments should stop them."