Some members of the "Shouwang Church"in Beijing's Haidian district, attempted to hold religious activities on the street during Easter Day, flouting warnings by authorities.

It is the third time that "Shouwang Church"has attempted to forcibly hold illegal outdoor public activities. The head of this organization appealed to its members on the Internet, calling on them not to fear being detained and to continue participating in outdoor gatherings. Western public opinion has supported the organization and accuses the Chinese government of "repressing religious freedom."

Authorities are unwilling to let a confrontation occur between the religious organization and the administration system. With the rapid development of Christianity in China, many "family churches"have appeared, which are generally outside the religious administrative system.

As religious freedom is protected by China’s Constitution, and the family churches take many forms, the government has been cautious in handling these churches.

It must be noted that the problem caused by "family churches"that refuse to join the legitimate Christian "Three- Self Patriotic Movement Committee"has grown more serious. It is not easy to completely solve this issue. If family churches focus on religious belief, avoid conflict with the society and behave in a low-key manner, they would be easily understood.

On the contrary, if they cause trouble for the religious administration, they themselves will be trapped. The "Shouwang Church"located in Beijing's Zhongguancun area, is said to have many intellectual members and its membership is over 1,000. They should understand that such a large religious organization is very sensitive under the current system in China. It is vastly different from a real "family church"that can be held in a house. It is not realistic to deny this point.

Over the years, Chinese society has been cautious in large-scale organization inspection. A church should not become a power which can promote radical change in this sensitive issue. Otherwise, the church is not engaged in religion but in politics, which is not allowed for a church.

Regardless of how members of "Shouwang Church"come together, they should be able to perceive the gradual political discretion. At this politically sensitive time, "Shouwang Church"refuses to cooperate with the state administration and attempts to realize its demands through confrontation, which in fact echoes the political pressure exerted by the West on China. It is far beyond what a church should be able to do.

China is not a perfect country. It lacks experience in managing "family churches"but it is both correct and in accordance with China’s reality to adopt the policy of protecting religious freedom while trying to avoid negative impacts of religion on society.

There has been no sectarian violence in China for many years, which is rare for such a big country. Everyone should cherish the social stability in China.