The Communist organization of China (KPCh) introduces further restrictions on Christian activities. The fresh regulations, which will enter into force on 1 May, prohibit foreigners from preaching, sharing, and establishing spiritual organizations without authoritative government approval – reports the portal Persecution.org.
This is another step in a long-standing policy of limiting spiritual freedom, in which loyalty to the organization dominates all another beliefs. The PSC considers independent spiritual practices as a possible threat to the unity of the state and the political monopoly of the party.
History of spiritual Control in China
Already in 1957, the authorities established the Patriotic Association of Chinese Catholics – the alleged "patriot church". Its intent was to separate Chinese Catholicism from external influences, in peculiar the Vatican, and subject it to state control. Catholics who chose to stay faithful to the Pope formed an illegal underground church. The consequence of this decision was repression – many clergy and secular Christians went to prison and any paid the highest price for their faith.
Today, attempts are being made to reconstruct unity between the 2 lines of Catholicism in China. Both the "patriot church" and the underground communities, despite force from the authorities, effort to keep in contact with the Holy See. About 80% of the bishops ordained in China are recognized both by the Vatican and by the Chinese government, says AsiaNews.
Current situation: repression of all Christians
The fresh regulations are presented by state media as an action for "national security" and "protection of legitimate spiritual practices". However, only those activities which are carried out under the supervision of institutions controlled by the State are covered by the word "legal". Everything else is considered to be ‘sectarian’, ‘extremistic’ or ‘dangerous to the stableness of the country’.
January 2024 Global Times, a pro-government journal, proudly reported on the stepping up of action against independent spiritual organizations: "China's public safety organizations intensified their efforts to break up sects in 2024". In parallel, the Ministry of Public safety announced on the WeChat platform an increase in investment in technology and human resources to monitor and combat independent religion communities.
Not only members of underground churches but besides authoritative communities operating legally are at risk. Human Rights Watch and Open Doors They repeatedly alerted that Christians in China are subject to systematic supervision, and their homes of prayer are closed or torn down. Authorities besides interfere in raising children, limiting their access to religion and confiscating spiritual material.
Christianity Under Pressure
China officially recognizes only 5 religions: Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Taoism and Islam—but only erstwhile they are represented by state-controlled structures. In practice, this means that religion is deprived of its spiritual content and brought to the political tool. frequently preachers and priests are forced to proclaim loyalty to Xi Jinping alternatively of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Christianity, as the world's top religion, remains 1 of the most persecuted. In China, Christians – both Catholics and Protestants – must fight for fundamental rights to freedom of conscience and religion. Nevertheless, many of them stay faithful to their faith, willing to endure repression so that they can live according to the Gospel.
As reported by organisations specified as USCIRF, ChinaAid and International Christian Concert, the situation in China is part of a wider phenomenon: the emergence in global persecution of Christians. But China, thanks to the scale and brutality of the KPCh, remains 1 of the heaviest places in the planet for people who want to freely believe in God.
