China reportedly introduces three-person teams to monitor religious groups
World Watch Monitor In Wenzhou city – also dubbed “China’s Jerusalem” – teams of three government officials will now monitor the activities of religious groups by keeping their meeting-places under observation, International Christian Concern reports. A church in Wenzhou where religious venues have been told they must align their teachings with the agenda of the government. […]
Beijing house churches sign declaration calling on government to respect religious freedoms
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 […]
China’s ‘underground’ churches told to seek ‘guidance’ from state-approved bodies
World Watch Monitor A newly implemented directive from the Chinese Government forces Protestant ‘house churches’ and Catholic ‘underground’ communities to seek “guidance” from recognised religious organisations. A notification from the State Administration for Religious Affairs, issued earlier this month, requires organisers of religious activities at temporary sites to also apply for a permit that is […]
Prominent Chinese church demolished – second in month
World Watch Monitor Chinese authorities demolished a church in northern China this week, the second in less than a month, ahead of new regulations on religion due to come into force on 1st February. Explosives were set off inside the Golden Lampstand Church in Linfen, Shanxi province, on Tuesday. According to AP, citing the state-run Global […]
World Council of Churches kicks off 70th anniversary with historic visit to China
The World Council of Churches has kicked off celebrations marking its 70th anniversary year with an historic visit to China. During their visit, which commenced on Sunday and runs until 16th January, a WCC delegation will visit Shanghai, where they are meeting with members of the state-sanctioned China Christian Council and Three-Self Patriotic Movement, a […]
China passes new religious regulations ‘to prevent extremism’
World Watch Monitor China has passed a new set of rules regulating religious affairs, a year after the proposed amendments were released to the public for the first time. The new rules, announced last week, show no significant alterations to last year’s proposals, though there is noticeably less detail given regarding those who will be responsible for enforcing the […]