A Christian advocacy organization has expressed concern about the worsening conditions faced by Christians in China, particularly in light of the impending government crackdown on churches.

Release International (RI), a prominent Christian organization dedicated to supporting persecuted believers, warns that the latest developments represent a severe threat to religious freedom in China.

Christians in China have been going through increasingly stringent regulations in recent years. The situation escalated following the ban on Bible apps in the country, a move that significantly limited access to religious texts for Christians. Furthermore, churches across the nation have been compelled to preach from rewritten Bibles that align with communist ideology, a move designed to ensure religious conformity with the Communist Party’s principles.

Those who resist these measures are often left with no choice but to convene “underground,” away from the public eye, and risk imprisonment if caught. As of September 1st, 2023, new regulations are set to come into effect, further restricting religious activities. The new rules mandate that all religious gatherings must take place in official venues only, effectively banning any unofficial or “underground” congregations. Additionally, displaying religious symbols outdoors will be prohibited.

One of the most concerning aspects of these new rules is the requirement for all religious activities to be supervised by the state. This oversight aims to ensure that churches and places of worship align with and support the leadership of China’s Communist Party, further solidifying the Party’s influence over religious life in China.

Paul Robinson, a representative of Release International, expressed grave concerns about the new regulations, stating, “This is a further attempt to clamp down on the church in China. Yet by every account, Christianity in China is growing. The number of Christians in China has long surpassed the membership of the Communist Party.”

Bob Fu, President of ChinaAid and a partner of Release International, highlighted the audacity of the Chinese Communist Party’s actions. “I don’t think I’ve seen the Chinese Communist Party as bold as they’ve been this summer in playing God and twisting how the gospel is taught,” he remarked. “The only correct perspective in the eyes of the communist government is worship of the state and placing faith in Xi Jinping.”

The international community has been urged to take note of the escalating oppression faced by Christians in China. The actions of the Chinese Communist Party have raised concerns about religious freedom and human rights violations. The crackdown on religious practices and the imposition of state control over faith communities have sparked fears that these measures may extend beyond Christianity to affect other religious groups in China as well.

As September 1st approaches, Christians in China are left in a precarious situation, with their religious freedoms at risk. Advocacy groups like Release International continue to raise awareness about the plight of Christians in the country and call for international attention to address the worsening situation. 

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of religious freedom in China and the resilience of Christian communities in the face of adversity.