New Laws Tighten Grip on Churches

Release International, AnglicanTV Ministries, UCA News 07 September 2023

A cross is being removed from a building. — Religious symbols have been removed from
the exterior of numerous church buildings.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has released new religious restrictions which took effect on September 1st, bringing added concerns in a country already experiencing increased repressive measures. The new rules require religious venues to submit to the leadership of the CCP and its plans for the "sinicization" of religion.

According to the State Administration for Religious Affairs, all religious activities will be limited to official venues only and religious symbols must not be displayed outdoors. In recent years, more than 1,500 crosses have been torn down from officially recognized churches in the Zhejiang province alone. It is expected that such enforcements will increase under these new rules.

The new regulations also put further stipulations on the preaching taking place in government-approved churches. For example, pastors' sermons must now reflect China's politics and the values of President Xi Jinping, demonstrating their full support for the Communist Party of China and its socialist system. Any clergy members refusing to comply face disqualification from preaching.

While such regulations are specifically aimed at the official Three-Self churches, the policies will undoubtedly be used against underground churches that have refused to be placed under government control. For more details on the persecution encountered by Christians in China, go to our country report.

Prayerfully uphold those who are seeking to share the message of the Gospel in this increasingly repressive nation, asking the Lord to grant them wisdom and discretion. Please also remember our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ who currently remain imprisoned for their faith, praying that they will be granted divinely appointed opportunities to minister to others around them. Finally, pray that God will work mightily in the hearts of China's leaders, including President Xi Jinping, leading each one to repentance and a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Current Ministry Projects
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada continues to help distribute Bibles to Christians in the country, making it possible for them to have their own printed version of God's Word. Additionally, VOMC works with various mission partners to facilitate a Biblical understanding of persecution and discipleship, while presenting ways to effectively respond and minister within the context of hostility.

Project Funds: Underground Church, Bible, Relief & Development
Country Information
Population
1,413,142,846 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Han Chinese (91.1), ethnic minorities (8.9 - includes Zhang, Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) (2021 est.)

Religion (%)
Folk religion (21.9), Buddhist (18.2), Christian (5.1), Muslim (1.8), Hindu (< 0.1), Jewish (< 0.1), other (0.7 - includes Daoist [Taoist]), unaffiliated (52.1) (2021 est.)

Leader
President Xi Jinping (2013)

Government type
Communist party-led state

Legal system
Based on civil law system; influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law systems

Sources: CIA World Factbook
Pray for China
Pray that the Gospel will be proclaimed throughout China without government interference so many more names can be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life." May there also be a spirit of unity demonstrated among the country's growing churches, further strengthening existing believers and spurring them on in their ministry service and evangelistic outreach within the country's numerous communities.

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