Persecuted christians

« Back

China Moves to Regulate House Churches with Temporary Permits

China Moves to Regulate House Churches with Temporary Permits

China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs issued a circular on June 1 urging unregistered church groups to apply for temporary permits that are renewable after three years. The underground church community fears that this is the state’s attempt to place them under the guidance of state-sanctioned organizations with the eventual goal to eliminate them.

06/07/2018 China (UCA News) – Chinese Catholics are concerned about a State Administration for Religious Affairs circular that requires organizers of religious activities at temporary sites to seek guidance from government-recognized church organizations.

They fear it will mean that Catholic underground communities and Protestant house churches will come under greater control.

It was reported that the June 1 circular was a result of revised religious affairs regulations implemented on Feb. 1.

The notice stated that religious believers who were registered residents, had no criminal record and possessed certain religious knowledge can apply for temporary religious activities.

Sites must apply to local authorities for a three-year validity period. The number of people attending activities was also stipulated.

Source: ICC

Photo: pixabay