Thirty-four independent Beijing churches have signed a declaration calling on the Chinese Government to respect the basic religious freedoms and rights of citizens and affirming their commitment to stand together following the enactment of new religious affairs regulations earlier this year.
Religious freedom advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the declaration, which was was dated 23rd July, was signed by 34 “house churches” which are not registered with the state sanctioned Three Self Patriotic Movement. According to CSW, it declares that the faith of those who attend the churches is protected by the country’s constitution and is in accordance with the Bible and Christian tradition. It also stresses the contribution of the churches to society.
In a statement, the UK-based organisation said the statement came at a time when churches in China are facing increasing pressures with Three Self churches being required to demonstrate their commitment to the sinicisation of their religious belief – in the form of singing patriotic, pro-Communist songs before services and flying the national flag at churches – while independent house churches have been under increasing pressure to close.
Mervyn Thomas, chief executive of CSW, said the declaration “affirms the positive role churches can play in society and the rights afforded to all citizens under China’s own constitution”.
“We are extremely concerned about the restrictions on both registered and unregistered church Christians in China, and we further condemn the arbitrary detention of citizens in connection with their religion or belief, including Christians, Muslims and those of other faiths. We renew our calls to the Chinese government to release all those detained for their faith, as well as for those detained in connection with their defence of fundamental human rights in China.”
Sight this week published an interview with author and co-founder of Asia Harvest Paul Hattaway in which he said the church in China is facing a “new stage of severe repression that leaders say is worse than at any time since the Cultural Revolution”.
