Members of banned religious groups are often detained in transformation through education camps. Three Church of Almighty God believers tell their stories.
China
China Uses National Census to Investigate People of Faith
Enumerators of the 7th census are told to ascertain people’s religious status and notify the police about detected religious symbols and “suspicious” behavior.
China Cracks Down on Religious Exchanges with Foreigners
A new draft law, of which Bitter Winter publishes the English translation, would severely limit the possibility of foreign visitors, including academics, to interact with Chinese discussing religion.
The CCP Cuts the Number of Churches Through Mergers
To prevent people from worshiping close to their homes, authorities across China close state-run Protestant venues and force believers to attend other churches.
Religious Funerals Dispersed, Cemeteries Desecrated
The CCP bans all religious rites and traditions during funerals and threatens to punish local officials who allow them.
‘Safe Village’ Surveillance Program Invades People’s Homes
An expansion of the “Sharp Eyes” project, the new CCP’s scheme offers residents surveillance cameras inside and outside their homes. But to what end?
House Churches Are Pushed to the Brink of Extinction
Unregistered Protestant venues are monitored by plainclothes police officers and residential communities’ managers before their churches are raided and closed.
Unlicensed and Official Protestant Venues Destroyed Nationwide
More accounts from across China on crackdowns against Protestant places of worship.
Buddhist, Taoist Temples and Statues Destroyed Nationwide
The CCP continues crackdowns on traditional Chinese places of worship and religious icons.
Association of Disciples Members Arrested Across China
Crackdown operations targeting this banned religious movement are being carried out since May, resulting in arrests of its key leaders.