NEWS//Religious freedom tighten more
According to a post by the Catholic News Agency on January 7, “China will enforce new restrictions on religious groups, organizations, meetings, and other related events starting on February 1.”
The CCP is the higher authority
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The article, quoting the UCA News, says the new Administrative Measures for Religious Groups “will control every aspect of religious activity within China, and will mandate that all religions and believers in China comply with regulations issued by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which must be acknowledged as the higher authority.”
“Religious organizations must adhere to the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, observe the constitution, laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies, adhere to the principle of independence and self-government, adhere to the directives on religions in China, implementing the values of socialism,” says Article 5 of the new policies.
Religion in China must promote communism
Article 17 states that “religious organizations must spread the principles and policies of the Chinese Communist Party,” as well as requiring “religious personnel and religious citizens to support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, supporting the socialist system, adhering to and following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.”
Other articles in the new measures state that religious organizations “must establish a learning system” to train employees in aligning with the Chinese Communist Party’s policies, and also requires that the government authorities be involved in the selection of religious officers and involved in disputes.
Non-registered churches are illegal
Article 34 states “Without the approval of the religious affairs department of the people’s government, or registration with the civil affairs department of the people’s government, no activities can be carried out in the name of religious groups.” This means that “home churches” or any form of underground churches are illegal.
The article quotes a Chinese Catholic priest. “In practice, your religion no longer matters, if you are Buddhist, or Taoist, or Muslim, or Christian: the only religion allowed is faith in the Chinese Communist Party.”
For our prayers
Ask the God of all nations to guide China’s leaders so they govern in a way that will best benefit their people. Pray that his grace encourages the Christians of China to stay faithful to his Word and, in every way possible, to be loyal citizens. Thank him that his love and power are greater than any challenge we might identify. For a prayer guide, tap here.
Sources: Catholic Herald, Bitter Winter, Catholic Citizen, Asia News.