Inspired by Putin’s crackdown on “illegal” religion, Chinese authorities now claim that pastors they do not like are guilty of “extremism.”
Anti-Religious Campaigns
Release on Bail in China: Do the New Rules Really Make It Easier?
The September 2022 rules are hailed as progressive and liberal. But they are unlikely to improve the situation of those arrested for ‘separatism” or religion-related offenses.
China: Even Border Tourism Regulations Include Anti-Xie-Jiao Provisions
New measures try to make sure that border tourists do not import forbidden religion or “extremism” into the country.
House Churches Attacked and Banned in Several Provinces
In Beijing, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Jilin, and Sichuan police raids targeted churches that refused to join the CCP-controlled Three-Self Church. Orders came from Xi Jinping himself.
Xi’an Church of Abundance: Crackdown on a Historical House Church
After 30 years of existence, the theologically mainline church is accused of fraud and of being a xie jiao or a “cult.”
CCP “Celebrates” Dalai Lama Birthday with Anti-Religious Exhibitions
The campaign against the Tibetan leader had degenerated into a campaign against religion in general.
Talent Agents New Regulations: No Agents for Those Active in Illegal Religion
The new rules come into force on June 30 and deprive of agents’ services performers who criticize the CCP, are suspected of ‘separatism,” or follow non-authorized religions.
Dragon Boat Festival Used for Anti-Religious Propaganda
In Guangzhou, the elderly were “helped” to celebrate the Dragon Boat festival and told they should not waste their pension money in illegal religion, xie jiao, or superstition.
Anti-Pornography Rules: In China, Religion Can Be Pornography Too
Government claims those who stay at home for COVID lockdowns watch too much pornography. Yet, for the CCP “pornography and illegals” also include independent religion.
Book Promoting Atheism Launched with Great Fanfare in China
“The Principles of Scientific Atheism.” by Li Shen claims that both the non-existence of God and the fact that religion is harmful are undisputable scientific truths.