Chinese Churches Are Forced to Cancel Children’s Summer Camps

As authorities in Mainland China continue their crackdown on Christian churches, Catholic dioceses in the north are reporting the Communist government is banning educational gatherings for kids, forcing churches to cancel summer camps. 

According to the Union of Catholic Asia News, one parish was forced to cancel its camp after publicly promoting it, while another one—held in secret—went on as planned and without incident.

“It’s alright if the camp is held privately but once it goes public, it isn’t allowed,” a diocese member identified only as “John” told the news agency. “It must take place in secret.”

Ucanews.com also reported that another diocese had to move a summer class from a large parish to a smaller one in a rural village out of fear of retaliation. 

Some churches are offering a childcare option to get around government scrutiny. Member John said churches are using the argument that “working parents are unable to take care of their kids during the summer vacation, so the parish is able to organize summer activities for the children instead.”

The crackdown is part of ongoing measures by the government to limit church influence, including the spiritual development of children. Last year, the government issued new religious affairs regulations, prompting some provinces to order churches to post signs banning minors from entering.

“They…