Leading HK Seminary Cancelled Chinese House Church Christians' Visit

A leading seminary in Hong Kong has cancelled the visit of Chinese house church Christians who have met with President George W. Bush this time.
By Eunice Or

A leading seminary in Hong Kong has cancelled the visit of Chinese house church Christians who have met with President George W. Bush this time.

The Hong Kong-based China Graduate School of Theology (CGST) has originally invited Yu Jie, Li Boguang and Zhang Qianjin- another scholar introduced by Yu- to participant in a study program in Hong Kong on June 11-24. As Yu and Li are both involved in the high-profile meeting with Bush on religious freedom at the White House Thursday, CGST has suddenly decided to temporarily cancel the scheduled visit, according to an email received by Yu and released on the Chinese website of the Texas-based Chinese persecution watchdog China Aid Association (CAA).

The email is written in Chinese, which stated, "Regarding certain international issue that has raised widespread concern recently, we believe that it is not an appropriate time to invite you to come to Hong Kong at this moment." CGST apologizes sincerely and wishes to "be understood." At the end of the letter, CGST added that it would invite them again for academic exchange if there is any opportunity.

The letter is undersigned by the Acting Director of Chinese Culture Research Center of CGST Dr. Kevin Xi Yi Yao. Li, a prominent writer-peasants’ right advocate and legal professional, who has met with Bush this time and was invited by CGST, has also received a copy of the letter through email.

On the Chinese website of CAA, Yu described the letter as "unacceptable." He admitted that Hong Kong may have faced political pressure because of Li and himself visiting Bush this time. However, the theological seminary could have honestly explained to them this sensitive concern and they would take initiative to cancel the meeting, Yu suggested.

"This letter is totally ridiculous, it seems to accuse our actions and thus disqualify us to attend the theological program in Hong Kong… and what it means by ‘inappropriate’? Is there any problem for a citizen to meet Bush according to the law in Hong Kong and Mainland China?" complained Yu in the CAA website.

Yu expressed deep disappointment with the response of the theological seminary in Hong Kong. He therefore requested for compensation from the seminary, including the fee both Li and Yu have spent on applying visa to Hong Kong.

Gospel Herald Hong Kong branch has tried to contact CGST for their explanation on the decision, but CGST is not able to give any reply yet.

Established in 1973 in Hong Kong, CGST is originally founded by four Chinese students from the Texas-based Westminster Theological Seminary. CGST aims to be an inter-denominational, evangelical and localized seminary that can train students to serve the Church in China and to spread the Gospel to all countries.

Yao, who is the one signed the email about cancellation of the visit by Yu and Li, is the Acting Director of Chinese Culture Research Center of CGST. The Center has viewed the handover of Hong Kong to China as a new opportunity to win people to Christ. Therefore, it has been leading a lot of academic research and exchange to help Chinese Christians go back to the roots, to look at China’s culture and history, and understand how it will contribute to the future of China's evangelistic ministries.

Yao has his research interests focused on China's evangelistic theologians and churches in the 20th century. He also helps in receiving scholars from Mainland China and assisting CGST to develop stronger and further academic relation with other universities in the Mainland.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories