Approval by the Chinese government was never the “most central step.” The “Golden Urn” Beijing mentions was used in a minority of cases and never replaced the traditional methods.
Religious Liberty
The Dalai Lama Turns 90: A Look at Tibet’s Future
His Holiness is aging, but his birthday is a day of joy and hope, not despair.
Russia, Church of the Last Testament: Vissarion Sentenced to Twelve Years
New religious movements continue to be repressed through accusations of brainwashing and extremism.
Zhejiang: Pastor Huang Yizi Arrested Again
The veteran Christian dissident has been arrested for the third time since 2014. He has faced continuous police harassment for eleven years.
USCIRF Releases New Report on Violations of Religious Liberty in Russia
The comprehensive document highlights the persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientologists, Falun Gong practitioners, and others.
Pakistan: Weaponizing Blasphemy Laws for Stealing Land and Property
Sometimes, false accusations arise because neighbors covet the accused’s belongings.
Xi’An Church of Abundance: Trial Against Pastors Starts with Fabricated “Victims”
Devotees allegedly defrauded by the leaders insist they are not victims and that there was no fraud. The court refuses to hear them.
The Unification Church Case: Religiocide in Japan
Why, when, by whom, and how the assassination of a religion was prepared and perpetrated.
China, National Crackdown on Master Di Shen’s Buddhist Group
Beginning on May 29, a large police operation targets a group labeled as xie jiao for political reasons.
Dialogue, Qigong, and the Tai Ji Men Case Discussed in North Macedonia
The Third World Conference on Religious Dialogue and Cooperation opened with a session discussing universal energy, conscience, freedom of belief, and the Tai Ji Men case.