China prohibits foreign missionaries from sermoning and establishing religious groups without prior permission, without justifying the necessary moves for national security. The latest restrictions announced by the Chinese Communist Party will come into effect on May 1st and will intensify the country’s crackdown on Christianity.
According to the Mission News Network, the newly revised rules expressly prohibit non-Chinese citizens living in China from unapproved, establishing religious schools, creating religious literature, producing religious contributions, accepting religious contributions, and adopting them as religious followers.
Foreign clergy may only preach if formally invited by a state-sanctioned religious institution, and all sermon content must be approved by the government in advance.
China’s state media have said restrictions promote national security and explain measures to protect “normal religious activities,” pointing to concerns from the US-based Persecution Watchdog International Christianity.
CCPs usually define normal religious activities as strictly carried out within the scope of state-controlled institutions. Independent religious groups operating outside these boundaries are often branded as cults or extremists by the government.
The new law advocates stricter control over religious practices within the border, reflecting China’s ongoing campaign under President Xi Jinping. XI first clarified its goal in 2016 to “sinate” all religions. This is a policy designed to ensure that religious loyalty is consistent with the Communist Party’s priorities.
As a result, state-run religious institutions such as the Protestant Three-Piece Church and the Chinese Catholic Patriot Association have emerged as approved channels for religious activities.
The independent House Church movement is particularly aware of the impact of this policy change. Raids and arrests targeting members of the House Church have become common as Chinese authorities attempt to dismantle groups deemed to pose a threat to “political security and social stability.”
A report by China’s Global Times earlier this year explicitly boasts of increased efforts by public security officials to dismantle such groups in 2024, the Washington Stand noted.
The Ministry of Public Safety has openly acknowledged the increase in investment in surveillance technology and human resources dedicated to monitoring and reducing the activities of independent religious organizations.
China uses extensive technical surveillance to monitor citizen movements and associations and assess loyalty to the Communist Party. The system is specifically aimed at individuals associated with unregistered House churches or individuals who lean towards religious practices outside the framework of state approval.
However, Chinese officials maintain the stance that religious freedom exists in China, despite being within strictly controlled parameters. According to representatives of religious groups already operating in China, the new regulations make foreign involvement significantly more difficult, but they do not stop religious activities entirely.
Organizations such as the Chinese Bible, already operating within the state’s approved structure, believe their businesses may not suffer immediately under new rules. But foreign missionary activities, particularly those that include visits, meetings with pastors and direct involvement on the ground, will probably be practically challenging.
Funding from foreign sources for religious initiatives within China is also facing increased scrutiny.
Ariel del Turco, director of the Family Research Council’s Centre for Religious Freedom, expressed serious concern.
She told the position that justification for China’s national security was inappropriate and that banning foreign missionaries would harm China’s international relations.
Del Turco has urged the US government to closely monitor development due to the potential impact of American citizens visiting China. She recommended that American leaders publicly condemn the Chinese government’s actions and pay attention to the religious freedom situation within the country.
Originally published by The Christian Post
