New measures forbid baptism, other items

A copy of the agreement in which the measures were introduced. (Photo: ChinaAid)

(Ningbo, Zhejiang—Oct. 29, 2019) Authorities in China’s Zhejiang province have forbidden baptism and offering boxes in a new set of measures.

These include placing a church’s number of attendees, service times, types of activities, and location under the control of the officials.

Changes in location, church growth, adjustment of service times, and offering boxes have also been forbidden. Other prohibited items include an individual bank account for the church, donations from other countries and baptism.

Churches must also have a supervision team, activity agendas, security regulations, and fire equipment.

Local community directors have been charged with overseeing the implementation of these regulations.

This comes after the Chinese government implemented a revised version of the Regulations on Religious Affairs last year. Since then, churches have come under increased scrutiny.

China believes these measures keep churches under government control and will prevent foreign officials from using religion to overthrow the government. However, no government has used religion to attempt to displace the Communist Party.