Since we have launched our Facebook Page, “New Apostolic Christians in China”, we have received numerous enquiries about how we practice our faith and how divine services are conducted in Communist China. This article will hopefully shed some light on this topic.
China is the fourth largest country in the world with a population of 1.3 billion people. Every year the China’s population increases by approximately 12-13 million people. China is rapidly developing into a world economic power, holding the world’s largest foreign exchange reserves and being the top creditor of the United States.
NAC China is part of the area of the New Apostolic Church South East Asia (NACSEAsia), under the leadership of District Apostle Urs Hebeisen. The region covers 18 countries comprising a population of nearly two billion, which is about a third of the world’s population. District Apostle Hebeisen is assisted by ten Apostles.
The following countries form part of NACSEAsia: Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Palau, Philippines, Sabah, Sarawak, Borneo, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
Religious activities in China are controlled by the Chinese Government and it is prohibited, by law, for foreigners to evangelize and extend pastoral services to Chinese people.
Chinese New Apostolic Church members are cared for separately from Non-Chinese (Foreign) New Apostolic Church members. Two Chinese Apostles and three Chinese Bishops cares for approximately 10 000 Chinese New Apostolic Church members, whilst Non-Chinese (Foreign) New Apostolic Church members are currently cared for by six Non-Chinese (Foreign) Priests.
Divine services are mostly conducted in the apartments of members, hotels or in places approved by relevant Chinese authorities. Non-Chinese (Foreign) members, who are not able to attend divine service where a Priestly Ministry is present, are served via Skype.
We hope that the above clarifies and answer some of your questions. Please feel free to continue sending us your questions and comments and may we all experience many, many victories with Christ!
Mary M M Inambao
Hello, my daughter is joining JiangSu University and leaves for China on the 29 of September. How can she get hold of our NAC nearby the school so she can continue receiving the holy sacraments? As I have read concerning the restrictions on worship and praise that only chinese nationals are served by the chinese leaders and non-chinese are served by non-chinese in homes or hotels. Pls let me have the contacts of the foreign priest who is in the nearest area.
Thank you and God’s richest blessings as we await his return.