God Bless China and the New Shanghai Temple. “The church teaches its members in each country to obey, honor, and sustain the law, to be good parents and exemplary citizens, and to make positive contributions to society.”, Latter-day Saint temple ceremonies in China “would be consistent with traditional Chinese culture and values,” the site says. ... "Entry will be limited to Chinese members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holding a valid recommend. Originally built in 242 AD, this is the oldest temple in Shanghai. “Shanghai is one of the three major church centers in the PRC for both foreign and PRC citizens, the others being Beijing and Guangzhou.”. The large temple complex (about five acres! It was prompted in part by the closure of the Hong Kong Temple for renovation. But only their homegrown versions are registered — their organizational connections to foreign churches are not permitted. “It’s a very powerful organization that controls all religious activities in Shanghai.”. Find information on temples in Shanghai as well as 91 temples in China, 2699 temples in Asia, 2788 temples in the World. Regardless of size, many walled cities in ancient China contained a temple dedicated to one or more immortal or god as the spirit(s) or protector(s) of the city.. For its part, the church declined to comment on the Shanghai bureau’s statements. In 1980, he trained doctors in China, and it was there, in 1985, that he performed his last open-heart surgery. Leaders and students reflect on experiences with China in light of Shanghai Temple announcement, This US church with expansion in its DNA wants to open a temple in China, Plans for an LDS temple in Shanghai may have hit an obstacle, The Mormon church is building a temple in Shanghai, Diplomacy seen in Mormons' first temple in China, Mormon church to open first temple in mainland China, Prophet Announces Eight New Temples at General Conference, Latter-day Saint Temple Construction Photographs. Marco Marazzi, an Italy-based attorney who has lived and worked in Shanghai for many years, has spent his career helping companies across the world do business in China. Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, paused and, voice wavering, finished the list of new temple announcements in the April 2020 General Conference with, “Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.” Update, April 29, 2020: Plans for a temple in Shanghai have hit an unfortunate snag, as was just reported today. In response to a question posed on Weibo (China’s Twitter), the bureau first wrote, “foreigners are not allowed to establish religious organizations or areas of religious activity within China’s borders” and “the news that the American Mormon Church announced that it is building a temple came only from the American side.”, Later, the Shanghai organization repeated the statement about foreigners, insisting it “knew nothing about [the American Mormon Church … building a so-called ‘temple’ in Shanghai].”. “It happens all the time.”, As long as “you don’t draw attention to yourself,” he said, “you’d have no problem.”. Longhua Temple. Shanghai, People’s Republic of China Regarding the Shanghai Temple, President Nelson said, “Expatriate and Chinese congregations will continue to meet separately. (Jenna Cook) The Chinese government recognizes five religious groups: Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, Muslims and Taoists (the latter being the only native Chinese faith; the others all were imported). Nelson has promised that the church will continue following all China’s rules governing religion. As attendees gather for their separate weekly services, the branch (congregation) president reads an official statement from the pulpit, explaining to any new members or visitors that proselytizing is forbidden. Jenna Cook and her family react to President Nelson announcing a temple in Shanghai, China. “These Chinese members will have a membership record in the China Administrative Unit of the church or will reside outside of China but hold a valid PRC passport.”. In Beijing, for instance, Chinese and expatriate members meet in separate spaces in a high-rise with no signage of Latter-day Saint services there. ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org shares construction news, photographs, maps, and interesting facts about the temples of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. The Shanghai Temple will not be a temple for tourists from other countries,” he said. See more ideas about china temple, chinese architecture, china. God Bless China and the New Shanghai TempleUpdate, April 29, 2020: Plans for a temple in Shanghai have hit an unfortunate snag, as was just reported today. President Russell M. Nelson speaks during the morning session of the 190th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He noted the church’s legal status in mainland China “remains unchanged” — it is not legally recognized — and it will not send missionaries to that country. Will an undercover representative show up regularly for religious rituals there to observe the ceremonies and relay that to government officials? The Shanghai temple will be limited “to Chinese [church] members. As of Tuesday afternoon, though, the Shanghai Temple is the only recently announced one not mentioned on the church’s official online tally of established or planned temples. #GeneralConference — Matt Cheever (@mcheever) April 5, 2020 List of temples and locations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Peggy Fletcher Stack's story, "Plans for an LDS temple in Shanghai may have hit an obstacle," reflects some decent investigation and a good understanding of how things work in China.Kudos, Peggy! “The Shanghai Temple will not be a temple for tourists from other countries.”. Periodically, a representative of China’s government attends services in Beijing, members say, and reports back to party bosses what happens there. See my post, "A Bump in the Road for the Shanghai Temple. For years, the LDS Church has managed to survive in the world’s most populous nation — with a history of hostility to religion — by quietly following China’s rules. Mormonism, which did not break from other forms of Christianity but rather sees itself as the restoration of Jesus' original church, does not fit into any of those groups. Any negotiations between Americans and Chinese can be tricky, said Stephen Markscheid, a business consultant in Chicago and a China expert. “A senior representative of the People’s Republic of China huddled with the faith’s governing First Presidency in Salt Lake City on Aug. 24,” a church spokesman said at the time. TouristLink members rank City God Temple, Jade Buddha Temple and Longhua Temple as the top temples in Shanghai. Aug 30, 2020 - Explore Johndy's board "China temple" on Pinterest. Over the years and many wars, this ancient temple needed to be restored (this guy was restored in the 1950's). The temple flap was noted in Foreign Policy’s April 22 newsletter. © 1998–2021 ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org. Within days of Nelson’s remarks, though, the Shanghai Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau said twice on its website it knew nothing about a “Mormon temple” being built in the city of more than 24 million people. The Utah-based faith reported in 2010 that it was engaged in "high-level" talks that were "expected to lead to 'regularized' [church] operations" in China. Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. The Shanghai Temple will not be a temple for tourists from other countries.” Information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the People’s Republic of China in English, Simplified Chinese characters, and Traditional Chinese characters can be found at china.churchofjesuschrist.org. “The campaign corresponds with a drive to ‘Sinicize’ religion by demanding loyalty to the officially atheist Communist Party and eliminating any challenge to its power over people’s lives.”, On Tuesday, the U.S Commission on International Religious Freedom issued its annual report, which included this statement: “Based on the Chinese government’s systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom, USCIRF again finds that China merits designation in 2019 as a ‘country of particular concern.’”. July 29, 2020 – Leaders and students reflect on experiences with China in light of Shanghai Temple announcement June 6, 2020 – This US church with expansion in its DNA wants to open a temple in China April 29, 2020 – Plans for an LDS temple in Shanghai may have hit an obstacle April 21, 2020 – The Mormon church is building a temple in Shanghai The Church's announcement of a temple in Shanghai, People's Republic of China (PRC) was a major surprise given that the Church operates under significant legal restrictions in the PRC, and there remains no stakes in the PRC at present. In Mainland China, the LDS Church holds separate church meetings for Chinese nationals and expatriates.Church members from Taiwan or Hong Kong attend expatriate meetings unless their place of residence is on the mainland. The church organized its first branches for Chinese members in 2004, according to independent Latter-day Saint demographer Matt Martinich, and today has a presence in most of China’s major cities. Foreign Latter-day Saints are not allowed to proselytize to those in China, whether in person or online. Avoiding Temple Blindness: Tips for Latter-day Saints on Appreciating the Ancient Aspects of the LDS Temple; LDSFAQ Lite: Quick Answers About the Book of Abraham Connect with friends faster than ever with the new Facebook app. - See 1,587 traveler reviews, 2,248 candid photos, and great deals for Shanghai, China, at Tripadvisor. This second statement added, “wishful thinking, not based in reality,” according to an independent translation. But having the temple in Shanghai is "still a breakthrough in the relationship between religion and politics." Jing'an Temple is one of the most famous temples in Shanghai which is located at West Nanjing Road, the flourishing downtown area of Shanghai. Its headquarters is in the United States. As an active LDS member who is learning Chinese (and now Japanese), I was excited to hear the news of an LDS temple coming to Shanghai (上海)during the last session of this weekend’s General Conference. Surviving China: Tips for Living in Shanghai and Beyond; The Hmong People in Wisconsin: Immigrants from Laos to the U.S. “It is even more complicated if you are negotiating with the government,” Marazzi said in a phone interview. "In Shanghai, a modest, multipurpose meeting place will provide a way for Chinese members to continue to participate in ordinances of the temple," Nelson said. “Context for the plan for Shanghai is very important. On April 5, during the final session of the faith’s General Conference, church President Russell M. Nelson stunned believers with the news that among its new temples would be one in China. “This includes positive emphasis to strengthen marriage and family, honor ancestors, encourage family and clan histories, and nurture character, virtuous moral standards, and traditional values.”. “In an initial phase of facility use, entry will be by appointment only,” he said. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, Scars of Capitol attack permeate high-security inauguration, China sanctions Pompeo, other Trump staff as his term ends. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. With the July 2019 closure of the Hong Kong China Temple for long-planned maintenance and renovation, a multi-use meeting place in Shanghai would provide a way for Chinese members of the Church to continue participating in the ordinances of the House of the Lord in the People’s Republic of China'. Stephen Markscheid, a business consultant in Chicago and a China expert. She said the announcement of the Shanghai Temple still feels like a dream. Recent News Articles. And, in January, the church sent two planeloads of protective medical equipment to the Children’s Medical Center in Shanghai to help deal with the coronavirus outbreak. “It is not unusual for the Western party to think they’ve got a deal and for the Chinese to deny it,” Markscheid said. “There appear to be at least 10,000 Latter-day Saints in the [People’s Republic of China], the vast majority of whom are likely PRC citizens,” Martinich writes on his blog, ldschurchgrowth.blogspot.com. Sep 4, 2019 - Explore Lo Samuel's board "China Temple" on Pinterest. Despite its unofficial status, the LDS Church “has built a strong relationship of trust with the People’s Republic of China by always respecting the laws and traditions of that country,” the church’s website says. "What an amazing climax to the most unusual General Conference ever, a conferenc - Latter-day Saint Blogs is a portal for mainstream blogs about The Church of Jesus Christ … Really touching that Dubai has invited our church to build a temple in their country. Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may have hit a bump in the road — somewhere between a pebble and a boulder — with its temple plans in Shanghai. Multiple people who know I’m learning Chinese messaged me with excitement that a temple is coming to Shanghai, China. See more ideas about chinese architecture, china temple, china travel. The Shanghai Temple will not be a temple for tourists from other countries.” Information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the People’s Republic of China in English, Simplified Chinese characters, and Traditional Chinese characters can be found at china.churchofjesuschrist.org. The temple in the eastern Chinese city of Shanghai will help fill a gap left by renovation work since last July at the church's temple in Hong Kong, Russell M. Nelson, president of the church, announced on Sunday. “In Shanghai, a modest, multipurpose meeting place will provide a way for Chinese members to continue to participate in ordinances of the temple … for them and their ancestors,” Nelson told his global audience. In 1983, it was put on the list of key national protection. The Latter-day Saint (Mormon) Experience. Also, that a temple will be built in Shanghai for the use of church members in China. In 2015, he was honored by physicians he trained at the Shandong University School of Medicine. Nelson, who has long-standing ties to Shanghai, was careful in how he described the holy space to be established there. This website is NOT an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the Sunday afternoon session of the April 2020 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced the construction of eight new temples, including Shanghai, China, and … Every major Chinese city — Shanghai is the nation’s largest — has a “religious affairs bureau,” said Frederick Crook, director of research at The China Group in Alpine, who has lived in Shanghai. For more than two decades, temple worthy members in the People’s Republic of China have attended the Hong Kong China Temple. ), has loads of things that keep people coming to visit this particular temple. Plans for an LDS temple in Shanghai may have hit an obstacle. Members in China wonder if similar checks will take place in a temple. Data for lists and infobox for Shanghai People’s Republic of China Temple. “You have to be sure you are talking to the right person — which bureau, who they represent — but if you ask, they might see that as impolite.”, There can be “thousands of issues to deal with every day,” Marazzi added, especially now “with the COVID-19 crisis, companies going bankrupt, the economy slowing down and China’s trade war with the United States.”. In 2018, the Vatican and China signed an agreement on the appointment of Roman Catholic bishops, a breakthrough on an issue that for decades fuelled tensions between the Holy See and Beijing and thwarted efforts toward diplomatic relations. Unfortunate news just reported in The Salt Lake Tribune indicates that plans for a Shanghai temple may have hit a bump in the road. Nearly 10 years later, some of the credit for the planned Shanghai Temple likely is due to Nelson, a former cardiac surgeon, who long has had a warm spot in his heart for China. The temple announcement also came amid Beijing’s two-year repression of religions. In making the announcement of a temple in Shanghai, China, President Nelson gave the following remarks. He points out that cultural differences and varied expectations often present problems in trying to make agreements. The Vatican has had no diplomatic ties with China since 1950, but in 2018 the Vatican signed an agreement with China reportedly allowing the Vatican to appoint bishops in China. U.S Commission on International Religious Freedom issued its annual report, members meet in separate spaces in a high-rise, the church sent two planeloads of protective medical equipment. Neither statement, however, indicates that the temple can’t or won’t be built. “China’s government is ratcheting up a crackdown on Christian congregations in Beijing and several provinces, destroying crosses, burning Bibles, shutting churches and ordering followers to sign papers renouncing their faith,” The Associated Press reported in 2018 of allegations from pastors and a watchdog group. Every Sunday, when members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) meet in the conference room of a blue-glass skyscraper in downtown Shanghai… “That session came on the heels of meetings in February and May in Beijing initiated by the Chinese representative and attended by Mormon apostle Dallin H. Oaks.”, A church spokesman said then that the “church deeply appreciates the courtesy of the Chinese leadership in opening up a way to better define how the church and its members can proceed with daily activities, all in harmony with Chinese law.". President Russell M. 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