[China’s oppression on religions Part 1/3]
In January 2018, China destroyed the Golden Lampstand church in Linfen, Shanxi province (see video in the link). The church was built just ten years ago prior to its demolition, costing a total of 17m yuan at the time.
The head pastor Yang Rongli previously spent 7 years in jail on charges of “assembling a crowd to disturb traffic order” and has been under police surveillance since her release in October 2016, according to The Guardian.
This is, however, not the sole event that happened in China.
In Zhejiang province, more than 1,200 crosses have been removed in a government's crackdown that accelerated in 2015.
According to The Guardian,
“China guarantees freedom of religion on paper, but in practice authorities heavily regulate many aspects of religious life. Churches must be officially sanctioned and pastors must adhere to a host of rules imposed by the government.”
“The government revised laws regulating religious groups last year for the first time since 2005, increasing control over a places of worship from limiting the construction of statutes outside churches to imposing fines of up to 300,000 yuan (£34,000) for holding “unauthorised religious activities”.”
Source:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/11/china-church-demolition-sparks-fears-of-campaign-against-christians
#religiousfreedom #oppression #churchinchina
In January 2018, China destroyed the Golden Lampstand church in Linfen, Shanxi province (see video in the link). The church was built just ten years ago prior to its demolition, costing a total of 17m yuan at the time.
The head pastor Yang Rongli previously spent 7 years in jail on charges of “assembling a crowd to disturb traffic order” and has been under police surveillance since her release in October 2016, according to The Guardian.
This is, however, not the sole event that happened in China.
In Zhejiang province, more than 1,200 crosses have been removed in a government's crackdown that accelerated in 2015.
According to The Guardian,
“China guarantees freedom of religion on paper, but in practice authorities heavily regulate many aspects of religious life. Churches must be officially sanctioned and pastors must adhere to a host of rules imposed by the government.”
“The government revised laws regulating religious groups last year for the first time since 2005, increasing control over a places of worship from limiting the construction of statutes outside churches to imposing fines of up to 300,000 yuan (£34,000) for holding “unauthorised religious activities”.”
Source:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/11/china-church-demolition-sparks-fears-of-campaign-against-christians
#religiousfreedom #oppression #churchinchina
the Guardian
China church demolition sparks fears of campaign against Christians
Footage has emerged of the Golden Lampstand Church in Shanxi province being razed by local authorities
[China’s oppression on religions Part 2/3]
The once state-approved Three-Self church in Fuchang village in the Henan Province’ was transformed into a “Chinese-style private house.”under the command of officials from the Religious Affairs Bureau on 26 January in 2019.
This does not only happen to Catholic church in China. It is reported that mosques throughout China are also “sinicized,” In Shanxi Province, one Arabic-styled mosque was forcibly altered (Bitterwinter, 15 March 2019).
Source:https://bitterwinter.org/places-of-worship-converted-into-chinese-style-houses/
#religiousfreedom #oppression #mosuqeinchina
The once state-approved Three-Self church in Fuchang village in the Henan Province’ was transformed into a “Chinese-style private house.”under the command of officials from the Religious Affairs Bureau on 26 January in 2019.
This does not only happen to Catholic church in China. It is reported that mosques throughout China are also “sinicized,” In Shanxi Province, one Arabic-styled mosque was forcibly altered (Bitterwinter, 15 March 2019).
Source:https://bitterwinter.org/places-of-worship-converted-into-chinese-style-houses/
#religiousfreedom #oppression #mosuqeinchina
[China’s oppression on religions Part 3/3]
In a similar vein, Buddhist temples are also the target of the CCP government. Located in the eastern province of Shandong, Huaizi Temple, built in 2016 and frequented by worshippers, was demolished by the authorities in May 2019. All the buddhist statues were hauled by people hired by the local government.
Located in the Qingdao city,The Dabei Buddhist Temple (大悲禪寺) was also forced to close, although the temple was built in 1959 and rebuilt in 2011. Just as all of the Buddhist statues have been dismantled, he incense burner was buried underground and the entrance was sealed off. The temple’s abbot and several monks were dismissed.
In another temple located in the sam district, a Buddhist status was destroyed by people sent by the town government. They used iron sledgehammers to cut off the head of the Buddhist statue and smashed the body into pieces.
“Nothing can be done about it. This is nationwide. This is an order given by Xi Jinping,” one believer told Bitter Winter. “Who would dare to disobey? The Communist Party doesn’t let people believe in anything; people are only allowed to believe in Communism. What is the criminal underworld they mention? The Communist Party is the biggest criminal underworld.”
Source:https://bitterwinter.org/buddhist-temples-hit-hard-in-shandong/
#religiousfreedom #oppression #templeinchina
In a similar vein, Buddhist temples are also the target of the CCP government. Located in the eastern province of Shandong, Huaizi Temple, built in 2016 and frequented by worshippers, was demolished by the authorities in May 2019. All the buddhist statues were hauled by people hired by the local government.
Located in the Qingdao city,The Dabei Buddhist Temple (大悲禪寺) was also forced to close, although the temple was built in 1959 and rebuilt in 2011. Just as all of the Buddhist statues have been dismantled, he incense burner was buried underground and the entrance was sealed off. The temple’s abbot and several monks were dismissed.
In another temple located in the sam district, a Buddhist status was destroyed by people sent by the town government. They used iron sledgehammers to cut off the head of the Buddhist statue and smashed the body into pieces.
“Nothing can be done about it. This is nationwide. This is an order given by Xi Jinping,” one believer told Bitter Winter. “Who would dare to disobey? The Communist Party doesn’t let people believe in anything; people are only allowed to believe in Communism. What is the criminal underworld they mention? The Communist Party is the biggest criminal underworld.”
Source:https://bitterwinter.org/buddhist-temples-hit-hard-in-shandong/
#religiousfreedom #oppression #templeinchina
#Newspaper
Sharp Power on Vatincan by China: Cdl Zen urges cardinals to stop the ‘murder of the Church in China’ 1/2
(8 Jan) In a rare and high-profiled protest, Cardinal Joseph Zen, who is also bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, made a desperate plead to the College of Cardinals, and tried to convince them to change course with Vatican’s agreement with the Chinese Communist Party. The letter dated 27 Sep 2019 was first reported on 8 Jan 2020. Apparently, the pope agreed on 3 July to follow up Zen’s request, but fell silent after Zen actually presented his “dubia” on 10 July. Zen reviewed earlier proofs and expressed his doubts about the sincerity on the CCP’s intention to honour the agreement. He believes the current agreement will put the clandestine priests in danger of losing lives and, ultimately, the worshippers in losing faith with the church.
Source: Life Site
https://bit.ly/36mwDxX
#ReligiousPersecution #ReligiousFreedom #Church #SharpPower #BowToChina
Sharp Power on Vatincan by China: Cdl Zen urges cardinals to stop the ‘murder of the Church in China’ 1/2
(8 Jan) In a rare and high-profiled protest, Cardinal Joseph Zen, who is also bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, made a desperate plead to the College of Cardinals, and tried to convince them to change course with Vatican’s agreement with the Chinese Communist Party. The letter dated 27 Sep 2019 was first reported on 8 Jan 2020. Apparently, the pope agreed on 3 July to follow up Zen’s request, but fell silent after Zen actually presented his “dubia” on 10 July. Zen reviewed earlier proofs and expressed his doubts about the sincerity on the CCP’s intention to honour the agreement. He believes the current agreement will put the clandestine priests in danger of losing lives and, ultimately, the worshippers in losing faith with the church.
Source: Life Site
https://bit.ly/36mwDxX
#ReligiousPersecution #ReligiousFreedom #Church #SharpPower #BowToChina
LifeSite
Cdl Zen urges cardinals to stop the ‘murder of the Church in China' - LifeSite
'Your Eminence, can we passively witness the murder of the Church in China by those who should protect and defend her from her enemies?'
Pompeo to Visit the Vatican, US Department of State Said this Visit would Discuss China-Vatican Agreement
The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, will be visiting Europe next week, including the Vatican. He has publicly opposed the Holy See renewing the Chinese-Vatican Agreement. Officials revealed that Pompeo is meeting senior officials of the Holy See for further discussion during the visit.
The US Department of State has stated Pompeo would visit several European countries, including Greece, Italy, Vatican, and Croatia, between September 27 and October 2. During his stay in the Vatican, he will be participating in the International Forum on Religious Freedom on September 30. The Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the Vatican Foreign Minister will also attend the event.
Last week, Pompeo publicly opposed the renewal of the Interim Agreement for the Appointment of Bishops last, which is due to be discussed between China and the Vatican next month. Pompeo stated that this agreement “would endanger the moral authority of the Holy See”. This agreement allows China to narrow a list of potential Popes, which is then handed to the Vatican for their decision to appoint or dismiss the potential candidates. Reports suggested that Pompeo’s remarks dissatisfied the senior officials of the Holy See.
#US #Vatican #China #Pompeo #HolySee #ReligiousFreedom #SinoVaticanAgreement #MoralAuthority
Source: Apple Daily #Sept26
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20200926/IQPZSHZHTBDCHIQJH4434FLT5E/
The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, will be visiting Europe next week, including the Vatican. He has publicly opposed the Holy See renewing the Chinese-Vatican Agreement. Officials revealed that Pompeo is meeting senior officials of the Holy See for further discussion during the visit.
The US Department of State has stated Pompeo would visit several European countries, including Greece, Italy, Vatican, and Croatia, between September 27 and October 2. During his stay in the Vatican, he will be participating in the International Forum on Religious Freedom on September 30. The Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the Vatican Foreign Minister will also attend the event.
Last week, Pompeo publicly opposed the renewal of the Interim Agreement for the Appointment of Bishops last, which is due to be discussed between China and the Vatican next month. Pompeo stated that this agreement “would endanger the moral authority of the Holy See”. This agreement allows China to narrow a list of potential Popes, which is then handed to the Vatican for their decision to appoint or dismiss the potential candidates. Reports suggested that Pompeo’s remarks dissatisfied the senior officials of the Holy See.
#US #Vatican #China #Pompeo #HolySee #ReligiousFreedom #SinoVaticanAgreement #MoralAuthority
Source: Apple Daily #Sept26
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20200926/IQPZSHZHTBDCHIQJH4434FLT5E/
Pompeo Accused China Eradicating All Faith that Do Not Conform to the Communist Regime on International Religious Freedom Day
On the International Religious Freedom Day on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised China, Iran, and North Korea as the most seriously prosecuted countries in the world for religious freedom. He added that the three countries increased the restriction upon its people, especially for Beijing trying to eradicate all faith that violates the communist regime.
Pompeo in a statement mentioned the International Religious Freedom Act taking into effect 22 years ago on October 27, reiterating the promise on the promotion and the defence on the religious rights of everyone in the world. Pompeo stated that the US government has long been respectful the freedom of lifestyle regardless of their religion, dating back to the visions of the founding fathers of the US. He emphasised, religious and human dignity issues are of the core of US diplomatic relations, for now, and in the future.
Pompeo named China, Iran, and North Korea as three of the worst countries in the world, in terms of religious rights. “These countries are tightening their restriction to suppress their people. Worse still, China is trying to erase every religion not compatible with the communist regime.” He said.
#ReligiousFreedom #CCP #Pompeo #China #HumanRight #NorthKorea #Iran #ReligionEradication
Source: Apple Daily #Oct28
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20201028/Q6MEDFFHKBE6BJNDGMX6XLBC6I/
On the International Religious Freedom Day on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised China, Iran, and North Korea as the most seriously prosecuted countries in the world for religious freedom. He added that the three countries increased the restriction upon its people, especially for Beijing trying to eradicate all faith that violates the communist regime.
Pompeo in a statement mentioned the International Religious Freedom Act taking into effect 22 years ago on October 27, reiterating the promise on the promotion and the defence on the religious rights of everyone in the world. Pompeo stated that the US government has long been respectful the freedom of lifestyle regardless of their religion, dating back to the visions of the founding fathers of the US. He emphasised, religious and human dignity issues are of the core of US diplomatic relations, for now, and in the future.
Pompeo named China, Iran, and North Korea as three of the worst countries in the world, in terms of religious rights. “These countries are tightening their restriction to suppress their people. Worse still, China is trying to erase every religion not compatible with the communist regime.” He said.
#ReligiousFreedom #CCP #Pompeo #China #HumanRight #NorthKorea #Iran #ReligionEradication
Source: Apple Daily #Oct28
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20201028/Q6MEDFFHKBE6BJNDGMX6XLBC6I/
Reuters: Two Nuns in Vatican’s HK-based Quasi-diplomatic Mission Arrested in Mainland China, Top Clergyman in the City Censors Protest from within the Church
A long investigative report published by Reuters on December 31 quotes a source as saying that that two nuns in an informal, Hong Kong-based diplomatic mission from the Vatican had been arrested on a visit to their hometowns in mainland China. The report says they were later placed under house arrest and prohibited from leaving the country. Some senior members of the Holy See consider the incident a sign that China wishes to have the mission closed, and top clergymen in Hong Kong believe Beijing is expanding its control over the diocese and even attempting to influence the selection of the next bishop.
The report also quotes four unnamed informed sources as saying that the current leader of the diocese and the apostolic administrator, Cardinal John Tong Hon, has been suppressing progressive voices in the church, including that coming from the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission. Last October, the diocese, headed by Cardinal Tang, censored a statement from the commission on Sino-Vatican relations, removing a part concerning the missing Bishop James Su Zhimin of mainland China’s underground church.
Source: The Stand News #Dec31
#Vatican #HongKong #China #CatholicChurch #Relgiion #ReligiousFreedom
https://bit.ly/3i8JdIN
A long investigative report published by Reuters on December 31 quotes a source as saying that that two nuns in an informal, Hong Kong-based diplomatic mission from the Vatican had been arrested on a visit to their hometowns in mainland China. The report says they were later placed under house arrest and prohibited from leaving the country. Some senior members of the Holy See consider the incident a sign that China wishes to have the mission closed, and top clergymen in Hong Kong believe Beijing is expanding its control over the diocese and even attempting to influence the selection of the next bishop.
The report also quotes four unnamed informed sources as saying that the current leader of the diocese and the apostolic administrator, Cardinal John Tong Hon, has been suppressing progressive voices in the church, including that coming from the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission. Last October, the diocese, headed by Cardinal Tang, censored a statement from the commission on Sino-Vatican relations, removing a part concerning the missing Bishop James Su Zhimin of mainland China’s underground church.
Source: The Stand News #Dec31
#Vatican #HongKong #China #CatholicChurch #Relgiion #ReligiousFreedom
https://bit.ly/3i8JdIN
The Pope Call On Catholics Worldwide To Pray Hard for Church in China
May 24 was proclaimed a "Day of Prayer for the Church in China". Pope Francis called on the Catholics throughout the world to pray for the church in China, after the Sunday Mass in the Vatican on May 23, amid arrest of clergy and tear down of church crosses in Hebei Province by hundreds of police. He indicated that believers in China are his deepest concern, and invite global Christian to pray for Chinese faithful, helping them to build justice and peace in their country.
Before the Pope's call, several Catholics clergy and believers in China, including Bishop Zhang Weizhu, was arrested for "organizing prayer activities". The Burmese Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who previously denounced China for covering up the pandemic, had launched a prayer campaign on March 14 and called for a day of prayer for the Church in China. It aroused widespread response including US congressman, parliament members from UK, Canada, and other countries, as well as some US bishops. The activity has expanded on May and setup the "Global Prayer for China" page.
#ReligiousFreedom #China #Vatican #PopeFrancis #Catholics #CCP #PrayerDay
Source: Apple Daily #May24
https://hk.appledaily.com/china/20210524/C7YDPHB6FBE4JLC3GA4EHDUU4E/
May 24 was proclaimed a "Day of Prayer for the Church in China". Pope Francis called on the Catholics throughout the world to pray for the church in China, after the Sunday Mass in the Vatican on May 23, amid arrest of clergy and tear down of church crosses in Hebei Province by hundreds of police. He indicated that believers in China are his deepest concern, and invite global Christian to pray for Chinese faithful, helping them to build justice and peace in their country.
Before the Pope's call, several Catholics clergy and believers in China, including Bishop Zhang Weizhu, was arrested for "organizing prayer activities". The Burmese Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who previously denounced China for covering up the pandemic, had launched a prayer campaign on March 14 and called for a day of prayer for the Church in China. It aroused widespread response including US congressman, parliament members from UK, Canada, and other countries, as well as some US bishops. The activity has expanded on May and setup the "Global Prayer for China" page.
#ReligiousFreedom #China #Vatican #PopeFrancis #Catholics #CCP #PrayerDay
Source: Apple Daily #May24
https://hk.appledaily.com/china/20210524/C7YDPHB6FBE4JLC3GA4EHDUU4E/