 |
| Chinese police often interfere with churches, such as this one, for not being registered with the government. (Photo: ChinaAid) |
ChinaAid
(Guangzhou—Jan. 20, 2019) Officials have ordered a Guangzhou church to immediately stop holding events.
A notice, delivered to a church from the Huajing Xi Community Committee’s office, they were in violation of the Regulations on Religious Affairs on account of the fact that they were a “non-religious” institution. In China, the government only considers churches religious organizations if they register with the Communist Party, submit to censorship, and allow propaganda. If they do not do so, they are considered illegal and are often subjected to official interference.
In this case, the church was asked to immediately stop hosting religious activities, and its attendees required to cooperate with the government.
The church was planted by a Christian named Zheng Chengjian and his wife, Liang Meijie, in 2000. Around 100 people attend it each Sunday, and it is currently pastored by a minister named Cao Wen.
During its 19-year existence, the government has raided it multiple times. The religious and public security departments ordered the church to close in July 2015, alleging “it is an unapproved and illegitimate venue for religious events.” The officials confiscated religious items, saying the Christians “should never engage in any illegal religious events.”
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
Cell: +1 (432) 553-1080 | Office: +1 (432) 689-6985 | Other: +1 (888) 889-7757
Email: [email protected]
For more information, click here