New Restrictions Target Foreign Religious Influence
China has announced new restrictions banning foreign missionaries from preaching or establishing religious organizations. The rules, effective May 1, bar non-Chinese citizens from founding religious schools, distributing religious literature, or recruiting Chinese nationals as followers without government approval.
Preaching Now Requires Official Invitation and Content Approval
Foreign clergy may only preach when invited by state-approved religious institutions. Even then, all messages must receive prior authorization. State media claims the restrictions are necessary for national security and to support “normal religious activities.”
Religious Policy Continues Xi Jinping’s “Sinicization” Agenda
These measures extend President Xi Jinping’s campaign to “Sinicize” religion, aligning all faith practices with Communist Party ideals. Only state-run organizations such as the Protestant Three-Self Church and the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association are authorized to operate.
House Churches Face Intensified Surveillance and Raids
Independent house churches are increasingly targeted. The Ministry of Public Security is enhancing surveillance to dismantle unauthorized religious groups. Arrests and raids on house church members are growing more frequent under accusations of threatening “political security.”
Supporters, Detractors Voice Concerns
Supporters within China argue the new measures promote unity and stability. However, critics warn of deepening repression. Arielle Del Turco of the Family Research Council criticized the ban, stating that China’s national security justification is unfounded. She urged U.S. officials to monitor how these developments could affect Americans in China and broader international relations.
Source:
China Enacts Strict Restrictions on Foreign Missionaries
Photo by Michael Myers on Unsplash
About Post Author
