有關家庭教會獨立登記問題的探研/梁家麟

撮要

本文旨在討論中國家庭教會獨立登記可能衍生的各種問題。根據種種跡象顯示,中國政府現行的宗教政策難以有效發揮作用,故甚有可能批准家庭教會無須加入三自教會而獨立登記,關鍵端在甚麼時候實行而已。作者認為,家庭教會登記是中國宗教政策一個重要的突破,這將有助提高家庭教會的政治地位,其發展空間亦因而擴大。如此,家庭教會便有機會擺脫小教派的形式,傳道人的社會地位也可得到提升,信徒的信仰形態亦有所改變。此外,由於三自教會不再享有獨佔地位,必須參與宗教市場的競爭,這未嘗不是更新突破的契機。不過,最少在政策改變初期,城鄉的差異仍會增大,教派與教派間的對立與分歧也必然更為激化。

 

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the problems and issues that might be aroused by independent registration and legalization of the house churches in China. It seems that current religion policy in China cannot be claimed as effective, especially when concerning the house churches. Therefore it is very likely for the government to have house churches registered independently in the future. It seems timing is the last consideration at the moment. The author regards such registration a major breakthrough in China’s religion policy. It certainly will raise political status of the churches thus resulting in better growth prospect. There is no doubt that house churches will shake off her sectarian image, followed by raised social status of ministers, and faith pattern of church members changed. As for the TSPM churches, since the registration will put an end to religious prestige now enjoyed, they will have to join in a religious market place competing for excellence. We should also note that the differences between rural and urban churches will be further widened, and rivalry between groups deepened.

原載於《建道學刊》24期(2005年7月),頁3-50。

作者簡介

梁家麟

榮譽院長