Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran died signing praises to God before a firing squad in Indonesia in 2015. Their story of becoming Christian leaders in prison, from having been ring leaders in a drug smuggling gander, is one of redemption, and the power of the Christian gospel, is a worthy subject for a movie.
“Firing Squad” producers are seeking to raise $US5m for the movie. Its not clear how faithful to the Chen/Sukumaran story the movie will be, but it is “dedicated to the Christians who were executed by firing squad in Indonesia on April 29, 2015.”
Up in the left hand corner of this promotional image is a particular logo worth noticing. The producers are partnering with The Epoch Times, a newspaper affiliated with the Falun Gong religious movement. those that might doubt the link can read the “”Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party” frequently excerpted in the aper.
The Epoch Times has promoted climate change denial content and an anti-vax stance aligned with Falun Gong’s suspicion of science and modern medicine. An example story: “Meteorologists, Scientists Explain Why There Is ‘No Climate Emergency’” The paper has been an enthusiastic backer of Donald trump’s claim not to have lost the 2020 election.
The Epoch Times strategy of allying with the Trump universe has grown its reach. “The nonprofit has amassed a fortune, growing its revenue by a staggering 685% in two years, to $122 million in 2021, according to the group’s most recent tax records,” according to a NBC news report. It claims to be the fourth largest newspaper in the US by Circulation.
The Epoch Times’ coverage of the firing squad is here, complete with Epoch Cinema tag. If buying credibility for the Falun Gong movement motivates all the FG practitioners working for the paper, cementing a tie to evangelical Christianity has to be a win.
It is possible to feel great sympathy for the Falun Gong practitioners who have been persecuted in China, and pursued by pro-China activists in western countries. Christians will want to include them in campaigning for religious freedom. But there is also a strong case that creating a distinctive Christian story, based on a testimony of conversions, repentance and following Christ should be kept clear of other faiths.