In 1980, the government allowed the establishment of the China Christian Council (CCC) for the purpose of publishing Bibles and Christian literature. But production is limited by the government and falls strikingly short of the needs of the millions of Chinese who become Christians each year.
In addition, the CCC refuses to allow other Chinese publishers to print Bibles, and threatens to arrest them for doing so.
On March 1, 2005, the Chinese government enacted the Religious Affairs Provisions, which increased the penalty for printing and distributing religious books without prior government approval.
But this has not stopped small publishers from secretly doing short print-runs of illegal Christian titles and Christian magazines to satisfy the demand of knowledge-seeking believers. Some house churches also operate underground printing factories.
With funds sent by Christian Aid, native missionaries purchase Bibles in small batches so as not to alert the attention of the authorities. In 2005, Christian Aid also supplied funds to print and distribute 10,000 copies of a Bible commentary written by a Chinese pastor.
Underground Bible institutes
As is the case with churches, Bible institutes are also required to register with the CCP. But registration means government interference. Christian professors are suddenly forced to incorporate political indoctrination and false doctrine into government-approved curricula.