Updated: Government removes first of Ten Commandments from church

A Christian replaces a picture
of a cross with photos of
former Communist Party
Chairman Mao Zedong (right)
and current President Xi Jinping.
(Photo: ChinaAid)

ChinaAid

Updated on Jan. 8, 2019, at 5:21 p.m. in order to add newly learned details.


(Luoyang, Henan—Jan. 7, 2019) In order to force devotion to the Communist Party, officials removed the first of the Ten Commandments from the wall of a church last November, ChinaAid recently learned.

According to a report by Bitter Winter Magazine, authorities noticed the Ten Commandments during a raid on Dongcun Church. Deeming that the first commandment—which states “You shall have no other gods before me” in reference to the Christian God—was in opposition to China’s attempts to center ideology around the teachings of the Communist Party. This process, termed “Sinicization” by Chinese President Xi Jinping, consists of imposing regulations on religious institutions in order to ensure that beliefs center around the teachings of the government.

Those who do not comply with the regulations are subject to harassment and arrest.

Church attendees tried arguing with the authorities, but the government agents scolded them, saying, “[Chinese President] Xi Jinping is against the commandment” and continued to say anyone who didn’t cooperate was fighting against the country and warned them that this action is national policy.

ChinaAid exposes abuses in order to stand in solidarity with the persecuted and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law. If you wish to partner with us in helping those persecuted by the Chinese government for their beliefs, please click here to make a charitable donation.


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Updated: Government removes first of Ten Commandments from church

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