by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - China’s ruling Communist Party is continuing its crackdown on Christianity by removing crosses from churches and adding new restrictions to religious activities, Missions Box reports.
According to Release International, a UK-based organization that supports persecuted Christians, China last month brought in even more restrictions on religious liberty than have already been implemented. These rules apply not only Christians but also to Muslims and Buddhists among other religious minorities in the country, Missions Box reports.
“China is tightening its grip on the church in tough new measures designed to limit religious freedom,” Missions Box said in its report. “From September, new rules limit all religious activities to official venues only and prevent the display of religious symbols outdoors. Anyone who runs a religious venue must now demonstrate their love for the motherland and their support for the Communist Party of China. Church sermons must reflect China’s politics rather than religious doctrines and any clergy members who refuse face disqualification.”
Moreover, Missions Box reported, Chinese authorities have been arresting church leaders and charging them with fraud for taking up collections from their congregations. Christians have also been banned from gathering online and from posting or sharing sermons and other Christian materials on the internet.
In a website statement about the situation facing Christians in China, the Open Doors international Christian advocacy organization said: “Tightening restrictions and increasing surveillance are putting Christians in China under intensifying pressure, as the Communist Party seeks to limit all threats to its power.”
China ranks 16th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.