Joachim Gauck the President of Germany attended an Easter Day service in Jing Xin Church in Xi’an, during his visit to China.
Among China Christians, Gauck is well known as a former Lutheran pastor.
He attended the Easter Day service of Jing Xin Church, located in downtown of Xi’an. He also visited the St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Xi’an, the former imperial capital Xi’an.
St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral was first constructed in 1716, expanded in 1884, closed in 1966 and reopened in 1980. The grounds are currently the location for the Yellow River Charity. Founded in December 2005 it was the first soup kitchen for the homeless set up in China.
Besides, the former Lutheran pastor and civil rights activist from the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) also met with Chinese artists and authors.
It’s likely that Gauck will address the repression and imprisonment of Christians by the Chinese government on this occasion. Reported by the Deutsche Welle previously.
Actually, the final day of German President’s five-day tour of China has been largely filled by religious events. The president has sought to strengthen ties during his visit, while also addressing human rights.
Following a visit to the excavations of the famous terracotta Army early on Thursday, Gauck met the Catholic Bishop of Xi’an, Anthony Dang at the imperial city’s Francis of Assisi Cathedral.
