To push all believers under its control, the Chinese government is closing down all churches that refuse to join the Patriotic Catholic Church.
Catholic Church
Catholic Churches Continuously Curbed Across China
During 2019, many Catholic churches were closed down for refusing to join the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association. Even state-run churches are suppressed.
Zhengzhou Diocese Priest Ousted for Disobeying the Party
Even state-approved Catholic clergy members are subjected to severe persecution when they start questioning the CCP’s oppressive religious policies.
Catholic Church in Jiangxi Stifled on the First Day of 2020
After removing the crucifix from Xiahuang village’s church on Christmas Day, government officials ordered to vacate the place of worship on January 1.
Xi Jinping’s Quotes Replace Holy Images in Catholic Churches
Churches refusing to join the Patriotic Catholic Association are repurposed for cultural or propaganda centers, as congregation members are driven away.
Another Catholic Pilgrimage Site Demolished in Shanxi
The Gate of Heaven on the Seven Sorrows Mountain was replaced with a building in traditional Chinese style, as part of the CCP’s religion “sinicization” campaign.
CCP Goes All out Forcing Catholic Clergy Into Official Church
If direct harassment doesn’t help to “transform” priests, make them succumb to regime’s rule, then clergy’s relatives are bullied and congregations terrorized.
All Religious Activities for Catholic Youth Prohibited
The CCP is clamping down on anything religion-related for children – be it a kindergarten on church property, a Sunday school, or training of future clergy members.
Statue of Jesus, Crosses Removed in State-Approved Churches
Numerous religious symbols have been taken down in localities throughout China ahead of the central government’s religious work inspections.
Pressure Mounts on Fuzhou’s Catholic Conscientious Objectors
The government closed down over 100 meeting venues in the Archdiocese of Fuzhou, which are run by priests who continue to resist joining the Patriotic Church.