Booklet material for days of prayer for Christians who are oppressed and persecuted on December 26, 2022 and March 5, 2023
Stephen’s Day on December 26 and Reminiscere Sunday are traditional days on which the Württemberg regional church deals with the situation of persecuted and oppressed Christians. China is the focus on Boxing Day 2022 and Reminiscere 2023. Here you will find resource booklets on these topics.
Great Wall of China.Image: Pixabay / ELG21
The regional church has issued pamphlets about China for the church community and other interested parties, highlighting the political and social conditions in China as well as the situation of Christians in the country. Worship services are also included. You can download this booklet at the bottom of this page.
State Bishop Ernst-Wilhelm Gohl wrote in his foreword: “China – this is a country of fascination, inspiration, exchange, but also the strangeness, of being different. This issue is meant to sharpen our views on China and, of course, and the most importantly, a country with an overall policy of restricting religion. It’s not just superlatives that are in focus, be it mountain peaks, Chinese walls, imperial tombs, major cities or rapid economic growth, but also religion and religion. And with it freedom of religion.”
Gohl also wrote that the regional churches were deeply committed to the free right to practice religion. “Because every human being must be able to maintain his relationship with God without hindrance and without loss.” Religion is an expression of true humanity. It cannot just remain private, because religion is designed for community. “People want to exchange information about their faith, they want to celebrate church services and they definitely want to be seen in public. They want to make a joint contribution to shape and shape society. It also means that freedom of religion and freedom of assembly are linked.” The regional church is therefore committed to the values that enable and thus promote religious life.
About the situation of oppressed and persecuted Christians in other countries
Traditionally, the Württemberg state synod has also dealt with the situation of oppressed and persecuted Christians around the world as part of its autumn conference. This year, the countries of India, China, Nigeria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Armenia are the focus of the report, for which Church Counselor Dr. Christine Keim was present at the synod. You can Read the report here.
