Are Bibles banned in China?

The question of whether Bibles are banned in China has generated significant attention in recent years, with headlines proclaiming everything from complete prohibition to strict governmental control. However, the reality is far more nuanced than these dramatic declarations suggest. Understanding the actual situation requires examining the intricate web of regulations, restrictions, and policies that govern religious texts in the People's Republic of China.

Legal Ownership vs. Distribution Restrictions

It is still not illegal to own a Bible in China, contrary to what many might assume from sensationalized media coverage. Chinese citizens can legally possess Bibles, and there is no law prohibiting personal ownership of Christian scripture. The confusion arises from the significant restrictions placed on the distribution, sale, and publication of religious texts, which create practical barriers to obtaining Bibles even when ownership remains legal.

The key distinction lies in how these texts reach the public. Since the Bible does not have an ISBN (International Standard Book Number), it cannot be sold or distributed within China in bookstores or other commercial markets. This regulatory framework effectively removes Bibles from most retail channels that ordinary consumers would typically use to purchase books. Additionally, New regulations in 2018 prohibited the selling of Bibles online, further limiting access through digital marketplaces that had previously provided an alternative distribution method.

State-Controlled Publishing and Official Channels

China maintains strict control over Bible production through centralized publishing arrangements. The state-owned Amity Press is the only publisher allowed to print Bibles in China that are not for export. This monopolistic approach ensures governmental oversight of religious text production while creating artificial scarcity through controlled printing quantities. Remarkably, China has the world's largest Bible publisher—the Nanjing Amity Printing Company in Jiangsu Province—which has produced over 26 million Bibles since 1988, demonstrating that Bible production continues on a massive scale, albeit under strict state supervision.

The quantity printed is restricted, and the sale or distribution of Bibles is limited to officially sanctioned churches. This system creates a controlled pipeline where religious texts flow through government-approved religious institutions rather than open commercial markets. The approach reflects broader patterns in Chinese governance, where the state seeks to maintain oversight and control over potentially influential cultural and religious materials.

Digital Restrictions and Online Censorship

The digital sphere presents additional complications for Bible access in China. The new measures mean that online services, sermons, Bible studies or any other religious messages in the form of texts, pictures, audio and video can be accessed only through state-approved channels, with content checked to make sure it reflects and supports China's Communist Party. These regulations extend far beyond simple Bible ownership to encompass virtually all forms of Christian digital content, creating a comprehensive framework for monitoring and controlling religious expression online.

Reports indicate that major technology companies have complied with these restrictions, removing Bible applications and religious content from their platforms when operating within Chinese jurisdiction. This digital censorship contributes to the perception of a broader "ban" on Bibles, even though the restrictions specifically target distribution methods rather than possession itself.

Consequences and Enforcement

The enforcement of these regulations can have serious consequences for those who violate distribution restrictions. Recent cases demonstrate the government's commitment to maintaining control over religious text circulation. Ban Yanhong was sentenced on April 15, 2024, to five years in prison for "illegal business operations," or illegally selling and distributing Bibles to Christians in Inner Mongolia. Such prosecutions underscore the serious legal risks faced by individuals who attempt to distribute religious materials outside official channels.