Sinicization

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A Chinese Protestant church building with traditional characters on the facade and a cross on the roof, framed by young spring leaves, symbolizing the rootedness and growth of Christianity in Chinese soil

The Sinicization of Christianity

The Sinicization of Christianity is not merely a passing campaign, but a long-term issue that will continue to shape the church in China.

Sam Ren • July 11, 2025 •

A city street in China with a church in the distance, its cross rising above the skyline. Readers may be left with the impression that the Three-Self Church either willingly cooperates and blindly accepts the government’s agenda, or passively submits, powerless and resigned. But is that really the case?

The Three-Self Church in the Sinicization Campaign

Readers may be left with the impression that the Three-Self Church either willingly cooperates and blindly accepts the government’s agenda, or passively submits, powerless and resigned. But is that really the case?

Shengxia Wang • June 17, 2025 •

A church building in China with a national flag standing in front of it. Developing Chinese religions is not a socio-cultural or religious concern but one of international relations and national security.

Whose Zhongguohua Is It Anyway?

Developing Chinese religions is not a socio-cultural or religious concern but one of international relations and national security.

Jordan Wang, Naomi Thurston • March 24, 2025 •

A Chinese man passing by a traditional Chinese architecture. In recent years, the approach to religious affairs has shifted toward the “Sinicization of Christianity.” This strategy is rooted in two key objectives: “countering infiltration” and “going global.”

Countering Infiltration and Going Global

In recent years, the approach to religious affairs has shifted toward the “Sinicization of Christianity.” This strategy is rooted in two key objectives: “countering infiltration” and “going global.”

Chin Ken Pa • •

The Flag Raising Ceremony at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Sinicization is the UFWD’s agenda for Chinese religious associations. All religions are to be Sinicized, even Taoism. But the challenge of bringing “foreign religions” like Christianity and Islam into the Party’s agenda requires increased effort.

Faith Under Party Rule

Sinicization is the UFWD’s agenda for Chinese religious associations. All religions are to be Sinicized, even Taoism. But the challenge of bringing “foreign religions” like Christianity and Islam into the Party’s agenda requires increased effort.

Richard Madsen • •

A street scene in Shanghai, China. Sinicization, Chinafication, or Zhongguohua? Defining the term in question goes to the heart of understanding China’s current policy and its effect upon religious believers.

What’s in a Name?

Sinicization, Chinafication, or Zhongguohua? Defining the term in question goes to the heart of understanding China’s current policy and its effect upon religious believers.

Brent Fulton • •