China is finally going ahead to allow churches to reopen, but only those churches that literally worship the Chinese Communist Party will be allowed to reopen.
Under strict new laws, some written on blackboards in church premises, Christianity as we know it, the freedom and love of the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ, was eroded from the Chinese ministries during the coronavirus break.
In mid-June, the Religious Affairs Bureau of Zhengzhou, the capital of the central province of Henan, issued a list of 42 requirements for places of worship to start functioning after the coronavirus lockdown has been lifted.
On top of scrupulous adherence to the epidemic prevention measures, people who want to enter religious venues must register online, cross-referencing their health code, and provide their personal details, including name, gender, ID card, and phone number.
Venues must intensify patriotic education and study China’s religious policies and other regulations, and implement the “four requirements.” Those that fail to meet the prerequisites are not allowed to reopen.
Similar tough regulations have been isued across Hannan province, though faithfuls are just too excited to interact with other believers than be mindful of the Communist Regime. After more than six months without Weekly congregations, even such a break is welcome.
As you would remember, during the coronavirus period, China did not relent their fight against religion. Aside from demolishing churches and religious buildings, home churches were stopped and banned. In several instances those found in such congregations arrested.
Monuments of religious figures were cut down and banned. It was earlier reported that the communist party had plans to revise the Bible to a theme that is acceptable to them. Whats worse were tragic reports of the suffering of Uigur Muslims in China as the regime tried to wipe them out, quite literally.
And just recently, it was reported that believers were being ordered to replace wall images of religious figures with those of Chairman Mao and the current president Xi Jinpin.
Now according to reports by Bitterwinter.org, even the churches that did open, the sermons were not about Christianity or faith, but politics. “Instead of a normal sermon, the preacher talked about the patriotism of medical workers during the epidemic, and their sacrifice to the state,” One member is quoted lamenting.
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