First Christian Emperors in China

Tang Emperors (635-756 A.D.)

A number of Emperors of the Tang Dynasty can be considered as 'Christians'. Unfortunately, they tended to mix the Christian teaching with that of other religions like Buddhism, ancestor worshiping and Confucianism.

During Emperor Tang Tai Zong's reign (635 A.D.), Nestorian Monk Olopen arrived at Changan, and was greeted by Tai Zong with respect. Tai Zong sent his prime minister Fang Yuanling to welcome Olopen, who was then invited to the Emperor's personal library to translate scripture. Olopen became a regular guest inside the palace of Tai Zong. In 638 A.D. Tai Zong ordered to build a church for Olopen, known as the Persian Temple or the DaiQin Temple, and allowed him to preach freely. When Gao Zong became emperor, he awarded Olopen the title of the National Priest. Jinjiao (Chinese name for the Christian faith) Churches popped up everywhere in China. Being a Buddhist, Empress Wu's persecuted Jinjiao during her reign. After Empress Wu lost power, Emperor Xuan Zong reestablished Jinjiao and placed the portraits of Gao Zu, Tai Zong, Gao Zong, Zhong Zong, and Juan Zong in the DaiQin Temple.