The Christian Post
By Lorraine Caballero, Christian Post contributor
August 29, 2015 | 7:18 am
Christians in Hong Kong are now feeling pressure from authorities in China after the city has enjoyed freedom from the mainland for quite some time.
Reverend Philip Woo and other pastors in Hong Kong have been reprimanded by officials from the mainland over their alleged violation of China’s policy against unpermitted religious training. Christians in China have been prohibited from participating in Christian events in Hong Kong for fear that they would be “making trouble,” according to the Free Beacon.
Woo fears that China has become stricter when it comes to religion. In March, 100 Chinese citizens were barred from attending a Christian gathering in Hong Kong in which over 2,000 ministers participated. The event was hosted by California-based organization China Ministries International.
“Many pastors are worried,” Hong Kong Church Renewal Movement executive director Rev. Wu Chi-wai said. “Some are reconsidering their work in the mainland.”
The new campaign against Christianity could potentially worsen China’s already tense ties with Hong Kong. Last year, thousands of activists took to the streets to protest against Beijing’s plan to interfere with the city’s elections, the report adds.
As of now, Rev. Woo has stopped the activities of his organization in Shenzhen and relocated his staff to escape government scrutiny.
There are some Christian leaders, however, who believe that China is still open to other religions and that Rev. Woo’s experience was an isolated case.
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