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July 7, 2008

China to provide free Bibles during Olympic Games

The cover of the Gospels will sport an Olympics logo.

Sarah Pulliam

China will provide free copies of the Bible to athletes, spectators and anyone else who wants one at the Olympic Games, the Associated Press reports.

About 10,000 bilingual copies of the Bible will be distributed and another 30,000 copies of the New Testament will also be available during the games, but none will be provided in public hotels, according to the AP. The cover of the Gospels will sport an Olympics logo. Places of worship for other religions will also be available.

The country has had to combat reports that said there would be restrictions on Bibles being brought into Beijing. See CT's other coverage of China.

posted by Sarah Pulliam Bailey | Comments (4)

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Olympic games will last only for one month. After the Olympics, will people be able to exercise their faith freely? Chinese government have to answer this question first.

Posted By: Judy | July 7, 2008 11:49 PM

It needs to do more that it.

It must allow religious freedom for its citizens. Chinese authorities must accept that everyone has the right to peacefully practice their religious beliefs, whatever they may be.

Act now - http://www.uncensor.com.au.

Posted By: kim | July 8, 2008 1:56 AM

Having lived in China and studied a bit of history, I think this is a welcome development. It's fine for Amity Press to do what it's always done; I'm not so sure it's a good idea for people to associate the Bible with either the Chinese government or the IOC.

Over the last two decades there's been a slow move toward religous freedom. This trend hasn't reached its destination, and we can argue whether the pace is too fast or slow.

One thing that's clear however is that historically in China, fast change means head will roll -literally. I appreciate the positive gains for Chinese society and hope for more in God's good time.

Posted By: Robert | July 8, 2008 6:18 PM

As a native Shanghainess who was saved in China as the first one in fmaily and served in both state church and house church in 90's, living in U.S.now, I have to say that China changed lot comparing to my youth year in house church in China in 80's.
God's intervention is beyond man power. The economy boosting and the effort of president Bush could make Olympic a turning point for Christianity in China.
But we know that the freedom is not true for millions believers underground including my dear family and friends in China.

We need to see the His Spirit pouring down upon the nation to prepare the hearts of Chinese for hunger of TRUTH and HOPE during the moment they are feeling proud of their nation as while as seeking the purpose for life.

I gratefully appreciate countless American Christians who have been interceding for China. All of the sacrifice of those missionaries and of those persecuted Chinese servants are remembered by our Heavenly Father. The tears they shed for China are not in vain.

Please keep praying for China and God's Kingdom

Posted By: Mei Sims | August 5, 2008 12:11 PM