29th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – Religious Freedom, Human Rights, and Freedom of Conscience Challenges under Repressive Rule
Dr. Bob Fu, a Chinese-American pastor and human rights advocate, shared his personal testimony of surviving repression under the Chinese Communist Party and his lifelong commitment to defending religious freedom. He began by thanking Congressman Pittenger for his leadership and support, noting his own unique perspective as someone who experienced China’s authoritarian control firsthand. Fu recounted his near escape from the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and how, following that tragic event, he and millions of Chinese intellectuals found faith in Christ, transforming the landscape of Chinese Christianity.He described his dual life in China: teaching English to Communist Party officials by day while leading an underground church and Bible school by night. Both he and his wife were later imprisoned for religious activities until their exile to the United States in 1997. He illustrated the current oppressive measures in China with examples such as government-sanctioned churches forced to display portraits of Party leaders, mass surveillance, and restrictions on worship. He highlighted the ongoing persecution of Christians, including the demolition of church crosses, the banning of Bibles from public bookstores, and the imprisonment of religious leaders like Pastor Wang Yi, who was sentenced to nine years for preaching God’s love.
Dr. Fu emphasized that China’s regime seeks not only physical control over its citizens but also domination of their minds and spirits. He warned that between one to three million Muslims in West China are held in so-called “mind transformation” camps. He also stressed the importance of global advocacy, noting that speaking up—even on social media can pressure the Communist Party to release prisoners, citing recent cases where detained children and teachers were freed after international attention.
Dr. Fu concluded with a call to spiritual and practical action, urging legislators and people of faith to pray, advocate, and support persecuted communities. He reminded the audience that true allegiance belongs to Christ, the ultimate shepherd, and encouraged everyone to remain vigilant and courageous in defending human rights and religious freedoms in the face of authoritarian oppression.
