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| Chinese officials often persecute churches such as this one. (Photo: ChinaAid) |
ChinaAid
(Hohhot, Inner Mongolia—Jan. 5, 2018) Police in China’s Inner Mongolia region harassed an unofficial church during their weekly Sunday service on Dec. 16, claiming that the fellowship violated the country’s Regulations on Religious Affairs.
When they interrupted the service, the officials questioned the Christians gathered there, most of whom were women. Then, they claimed it was illegal for them to worship in churches that are not state-run and demanded that the Christians attend one of the official Three-Self Churches. However, the Christians refused.
The Chinese Constitution asserts that Chinese citizens have religious freedom in Article 36, but the government only recognizes Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Islam, and has departments dedicated to managing religion. Such departments establish approved worship centers and often censor the content preached there. Government-recognized churches also often spout Chinese propaganda and are forced to sing nationalistic songs. As a result, many Christians opt to attend unofficial churches, even though they risk their freedom by doing so.
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.
ChinaAid Media Team
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