PRAY: China's 'Underground' Churches Ordered to Apply for Permits, Seek Guidance From State-Approved Organizations

Will Maule : Jun 25, 2018
Faithwire.com

But despite the persecution, China's Christian population continues to explode. The Beijinger reported that some 70 million followers of Jesus reside in the enormous Asian nation...

[Faithwire.com] China's oppressed "house churches" have been ordered by the communist government to seek guidance from a handful of state-approved religious organizations and apply for official state-mandated permits to register as an official place of religious worship. (Photo: via OpenDoorsUsa.org)

The State Administration for Religious Affairs, which is responsible for much of the state-mandated persecution, issued a statement earlier this month ordering organizers of religious activities at temporary sites to apply for a permit that is valid for three years.

According to Catholic news site UCAN, the sudden directive sparked renewed fears among the "underground" church community that they will be subjected to an increasing amount of pressure and control from the Chinese government.

UCAN reported that the notice was keen to point out that religious Believers who were registered residents, who had no criminal record or possessed certain religious knowledge can apply for temporary religious activities.

"Religious groups have guiding responsibilities for the activities of temporary events. The activities of temporary events should receive guidance from religious organizations," read the alarming directive.

"It is well known that many 'house churches' are reluctant to register and are willing to be an illegal organization because they do not want to be under the two organizations...

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