Letter: Dr Carey encourages Chinese Christians

Sir: I found the article by Teresa Poole ('Dr Carey's Chinese whispers', 14 September) about the Archbishop of Canterbury's visit to China somewhat disconcerting. It is in many respects a distortion of the situation.

Of course, there are problem areas which I discovered for myself when I visited China last year as the guest of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). Nevertheless, I was able to hold talks on exchanges and co-operation through the International Council of Christians and Jews.

The main purpose of Dr Carey's visit was to encourage Chinese Christians who represent only 1 per cent of the population.

The President of the China Christian Council, Bishop K H Ting, who was consecrated in the 1950s as an Anglican, has written to Dr Carey: 'I am sure that your forthcoming visit will greatly enhance the visibility and impressiveness of the Christian faith and the Christian church in our land.'

Nevertheless there are difficulties and the Archbishop is well aware of the strength of feeling concerning human and religious rights.

Dr Carey has praised China's Christians for not giving up in the face of persecution. In this he has shown courage. He deserves to be commended rather than criticised.

Yours faithfully,

SIGMUND STERNBERG

International Council of

Christians and Jews

London, NW5

16 September