Chinese authorities continue to threaten landlords so they will never rent property to church

ChinaAid

(Xuzhou, Jiangsu-July 10, 2019) Chinese officials continue to crack down on underground churches by threatening landlords.

In late June, the Xuzhou Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau in Jiangsu Province issued a 100,000 yuan (roughly $14,535 USD) fine on June 26 to two landlords who rented venues to a house church meeting at Wanda Plaza, Tongshan, according to reports.

Officials say the landlords have been providing a place for illegal religious events that have been “attended by a large number of people, been of large scale, and have had bad effects.”

Authorities raid Dao En
Presbyterian Church.
(Photo: ChinaAid)

A Christian named Mr. He believes activity by authorities is to strike fear into landlords “so they will never rent their property to a church.”

He says most people do not speak out despite their anger to avoid getting in trouble with police. According to him, some landlords work with authorities to drive churches away.

Jiangsu authorities banned Dao En Presbyterian Church in late June after harassing the church. Officials in the province also destroyed 5,911 Taoist temples in February and March.

Chinese officials experiment with incentive programs to shut down house churches and religious events.

Reports say the Guiyang Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau and Finance Bureau launched a program so people can report information about house church activities. Incentives for clues range from 100-6,000 yuan (roughly $14.54-$872.12).

Past reporting by ChinaAid discusses cash rewards doled out by authorities to residents who report on “suspicious illegal religious sites and activities.”

A government office in Henan province announced in late January the opportunity to trade factual tips about “illegal religious activities” for cash rewards.

Reports also say new religious requirements were announced in Henan province. Requirements include applying if church clergy is organizing an event.

Activities deemed as “underground” are banned, along with believers who are “young” or of an ethnic minority background. Chinese religious regulations forbid children under the age of 18 from participating in religious activities.

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, please click the button below to make a charitable donation.

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Chinese authorities continue to threaten landlords so they will never rent property to church

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