Chinese Christians 'more accepted' says Church leader

Christians are now more accepted in China, according to the head of the Protestant Church there, Elder Fu.

Speaking at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park, Surrey, this week, Elder Fu said, 'I think that society gradually recognises our legitimacy.'

He added, 'Our vision is that we are trying to develop the Chinese churches to benefit the Chinese people and Chinese society so that through our good testimony many more people will be converted to Christianity.'

According to official figures there are 28.6 million Christians in China including 23 million Protestants. But unofficial figures claim that the figure could really be as high as 90 million.

Remarkable church growth comes against the backdrop of Christianity being banned and the Bible outlawed during the Cultural Revolution, which ended in 1977.

Elder Fu and other senior Church leaders were the guests of Bible Society and opened the annual Christian Resources Exhibition on Tuesday. During their six-day visit, the Chinese Church leaders also held private talks with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.