FALSE ALLEGATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27358, 6 April 1950, Page 9

FALSE ALLEGATIONS

Control Of Chinese Missions ACTIVITIES RESTRICTED PA CHRISTCHURCH, Apl. 5. “ One of the most significant statements ever to come from the Church in China, a letter from 19 prominent Chinese Christian leaders, has been sent to Protestant mission boards all over the world,” states a report received from the National Council of Churches through the secretary, the Rev. Alan A. Brash. The letter, dealing with the future of missions in China, points out that there is a deep-rooted feeling among the Chinese that Western missionaries are inevitably linked with capitalism and foreign imperialism. While denying that this is so, the letter goes on to say that if the Chinese Church cannot use foreign missionaries without losing the confidence of the new Communist Government, then it must do without foreign misionaries. The time has come, says the letter, for truly indigenous churches, controlled and administered by Chinese Christians.

Regarding future financial support from abroad, the letter states that there is nothing in principle that prevents its continuance. It is understood that mission funds are still welcome provided there are no strings attached.

Mr Brash pointed out that the New Zealand bodies which would be most affected by the new policy were the Anglican Board of Missions, the Prespyterian Missions Committee and the London Missionary Society.