China: Churches ‘more careful who they allow in’ as raids increase

In a joint declaration, 34 churches in China’s capital, Beijing, have called on the government to respect the freedom and rights of religious citizens.

In a joint declaration, 34 churches in China’s capital, Beijing, have called on the government to respect the freedom and rights of religious citizens.

Government pressure has increased following the implementation of new religious regulations earlier this year. According to a local source, the authorities are ‘trying to stir up the larger more influential churches to see what reaction they will get from the people’.

The Bible Reformed Church in Guangzhou (which has refused to officially register with the government) was raided three times in one month.

“We had to stop our worship,” Pastor Huang Xiaoning reported. “Now, I have to go with them. People from the religious affairs bureau found me to question me.”

As a result, churches are becoming ‘more careful of who they let in’ to their buildings. “Newcomers are questioned by the pastor,” said a source. “Churches that hold meetings in commercial buildings are targeted. The authorities close church venues and more landlords refuse to continue rental contracts with churches.

These local churches are forced to return to house meetings.” The new regulations on religious affairs that came into force on 1 February include guidelines on religious education, the types of religious organisations that can exist, where they can exist and the activities they can organise.

Please pray:

• For wisdom for church leaders in the way they respond to this pressure
• That the government of China will allow more freedom for the church.