According to Voice of the Martyrs Korea Representative Dr. Hyun Sook Foley, the new code of conduct is more a test of political loyalty than a set of professional ethical guidelines. 

“The Chinese government’s new ‘Code of Conduct for Clergy’ reshapes the identity and role of the pastor,” says Representative Foley. “Traditionally, pastors’ primary role has been to spread the gospel. But this ‘Code’ requires pastors first and foremost to serve as advocates of Chinese Communist Party policies.” 

In its section on basic requirements, the Code states that clergy must support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and continuously strengthen their identification with “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” Representative Foley says that this association of faith with patriotism and loyalty to the Communist Party has been at the core of China’s recent push for the “Sinicization of religion.” 

The new Code emphasizes “independence and self-governance”, requiring that pastors must adhere to the principle of “not being subject to control by foreign forces” and must actively resist so-called “foreign religious infiltration.” 

“China has become increasingly concerned about the international ties of Chinese pastors,” says Representative Foley. “The new regulations require clergy to strive to become so-called ‘dual-competency’ professionals who are proficient in both Christian doctrine and China’s traditional culture. The goal is to sever the influence of Western theological traditions and to construct what the government describes as ‘a Christian system with Chinese characteristics’.” 

The document requires clergy to teach doctrine that is “conducive to social harmony and progress of the times.” Representative Foley says Christian groups like hers are concerned that this could mean that the teaching of some traditional Christian doctrines could be restricted or even prohibited. 

“When Jesus says, ‘I did not come to bring peace but a sword’, will the government rule that that is ‘not conducive to social harmony?’ Even the statement ‘Jesus is Lord’ might be considered controversial,” she says. 

The new Clergy Code also provides guidelines for pastors’ online religious activity, calling for pastors to resist spreading ‘erroneous and false information’.  

“In the current context, this typically means that clergy must maintain consistency with official Communist Party positions on social media and refrain from expressing any views that could provoke questioning,” says Representative Foley. 

The document states that pastors who violate laws or church regulations will be disciplined through an “exit mechanism.” According to Representative Foley, this could mean that clergy who fail to meet political or behavioral standards may lose their pastoral status. 

“The Code quotes from 1 Corinthians 14:40, ‘Let all things be done decently and in order’ but in China that ‘order’ is clearly defined by the state,” says Representative Foley. “There is a real danger that these new ethical guidelines could raise up a generation of pastors more committed to Communism than to Christ.” 

Individuals interested in learning about or supporting Voice of the Martyrs Korea’s work in partnership with persecuted Christians in China can visit www.vomkorea.com/en/china.