Why Schuyler Doesn’t Publish in China

Why Does Schuyler Bible Publishers Avoid Sourcing Materials or Labor from China? 

From electronics to everyday products, China dominates global manufacturing—including Bible production. In fact, 80% of the world’s Bibles are printed in China. So why doesn’t Schuyler Bible Publishers follow this trend? 

1. Superior Craftsmanship and Quality

At Schuyler, we prioritize exceptional craftsmanship, which is why all of our Bible production takes place in the Netherlands and Germany. Our Bibles require the expertise of highly skilled artisans and specialized machinery that are unique to these companies.  Our Dutch partner, Jongbloed, has been perfecting Bible production for over 162 years, while our German cover maker has been in business for three generations. Similarly, our paper is sourced from France, Finland and Spain, while the bulk of our leather is sourced from Italy. These are family and community-based traditions, passed down over time. We are grateful for the close personal relationships we have cultivated with these companies and the creative freedom that our partnerships provide. Both of our primary partners are based in the EU, where labor laws and worker protections are among the most robust in the world. In contrast, Bible production in China focuses on mass production and economies of scale, which doesn’t meet the high standards required for our niche, handcrafted products. 

2. Geopolitical Risks

Recent instability in U.S.-China relations also plays a significant role in our decision. From tensions over Taiwan to trade disputes and China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, the fragility of the U.S.-China trade relationship presents serious risks to supply chains. For us, this means that relying on China for Bible production would put our mission at risk. Schuyler is committed to ensuring a stable and secure production process, which we believe is better safeguarded outside of China. 

3. CCP Control Over Christianity and Bible Publishing

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has intensified its control over every facet of Chinese society, including religion (the church) and Bible publishing. CCP members must adhere to an atheistic, Marxist-Leninist ideology that opposes religious belief. Children under 18 are often prohibited from participating in religious activities, part of a broader effort to promote atheism among younger generations. Additionally, the CCP has mandated the incorporation of President Xi Jinping’s teachings into church liturgies, and it actively modifies religious texts to reflect party ideology. These mandates are enforced by the use of surveillance and facial recognition cameras in churches. 

In fact, the CCP has launched efforts to “Sinicize” the Bible—rewriting it to align with political and cultural goals. Two striking examples (see the Select Committee on the CCP (Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI)) of these changes include: 

• John 8: In the Chinese version (cited in a university textbook), the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery is altered to have Jesus participate in stoning the woman, reversing the original message of mercy. 

• Exodus 20: The commandment “You shall have no other gods before me” is changed to “Resolutely guard against the infiltration of Western ideology.” (See citation below) 

For these reasons—craftsmanship, geopolitical risk, and the CCP’s control over and persecution of the church—Schuyler Bible Publishers chooses not to source any part of our production from China. 

Of course, we stand in full solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in China, who continue to live under a system that is increasingly hostile to their faith.  

(For citations and more information: https://selectcommitteeontheccp.house.gov/media/editorial/chinese-communist-party-rewriting-bible and https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2020/12/chinas-threat-to-the-bible )