"Christ has risen!" shouts the multitude.

But the shout is not as convincing as it once was.

Many sad tidings are weighing down the spirits of Christians this Easter. Christians are under attack all over the world. Islam moves governments to persecute Christians in Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan and many parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

The once great Cathedrals of Europe are empty 50 Sundays a year. Mexicans have distrusted the Catholic Church since their Cardinal bet on the wrong side of the 1912 revolution. In America, church membership is shrinking steadily as people claim, "I am spiritual but not religious." Theological institutes get shuttered as the remaining institutions grind out fewer and less qualified graduates.

But there is new hope for Christianity. A new growth. A new spirit. And an old institution come back to life.

The "House Religion" of the Roman Empire is growing in America – and in many other parts of the world.

As the Roman Emperors persecuted Christians, worshippers formed secret congregations known as "house religions." Small groups would meet in homes and apartments to celebrate the teachings of Jesus Christ. By the fourth century, the secret religions had grown so large, so vibrant and so strong that Roman Emperor Constantine decided to legalize Christianity in 313AD. In 380AD, the emperor recognized the Catholic Church as the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Tired of ritual without spirituality, people of all faiths are joining "house religions" in America. Meeting in small groups, like the Christians of old, the new groups feature "singing, preaching, teaching and eating." Meeting during the week as well as Sundays, these Christians arrange their gatherings around a meal, which includes discussions where everyone is encouraged to contribute. There is no "preacher" since meetings are guided by "the Holy Spirit."

Surveys indicate that about 11.5 million Americans now attend a house church which is unassociated with any specific congregation. "We are not affiliated with any denomination, but we are affiliated with Christ," is the mantra.

People seem to feel Christ is with them all the time – and not merely on Christmas and Easter. They reject traditional Church services directed by a minister or priest. They reject passive participation. They resent all the money drives which primarily support stone and mortar edifices – mortgages. "We do not go to church, we do church," is a favorite saying of the new Christians.

While the "house church" is just building up steam in America, it is growing by leaps and bounds across the Pacific Ocean. And in all places – China.

The atheistic Communist Party of China detests religion – or to be more accurate, its leaders do. The party tolerates religion only to the extent that worship helps keep peace among an easily aroused population. Although the Catholic and Protestant churches are recognized as "official religions" by the government, they are strictly controlled – and discouraged. China's President Hu has long waged war with the Pope over authority to appoint bishops. He has ignored Protestants because he feels they are "disorganized."

But the wily Protestants have been growing at an incredible rate by establishing house churches. Because the government does not allow meetings of over 25 people without a license, the Protestant house religions of China are made up of small congregations. As soon as a group reaches 25, one or two members split off and establish new houses.

Three months ago, President Hu was shocked to find that many up and coming members of the Communist Party were secret Christians. He was doubly shocked to hear that there were about 140 million of them – or twice the number of Communists in China. It was inconceivable for old-time conservative Communists to find that Protestants now outnumber party members two to one. (Some experts say it's closer to three to one.)

President Hu says he will attempt to discredit Protestants and impede their careers.

But he will fail. As the Romans proved, governments which cannot control corruption cannot control religion.

The words "Christianity" and "Christian" have been forbidden by China's government. But on my visit to China, I found every Chinese I talked with routinely used the words.

And some Chinese have told me that they fully expect China to save Christianity.

All over the third world, "house religions" are flourishing.

This Easter we should rejoice in the rebirth of Christianity.

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