12/24/2020 China (International Christian Concern) – While the rest of the world celebrates Christmas with joy and social distanced services, Christians in China once again face challenges and restrictions as the government continues to clamp down on Christianity.
According to pastor Yang Xibo from Xunsiding Church in Xiamen city, some local Christians were invited to perform Christmas songs at Wanda Plaza (a shopping mall) on Christmas Eve, yet their performance was interrupted by local police. Local Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau and State Security also dispatched staff to make sure the Christians’ performance is canceled.
A state-sanctioned Catholic church in Jiangsu province’s Wuxi city had to obtain approval from at least eight offices before it can hold any Christmas mass. The Taihu Catholic Church’s application with many official seals has been widely circulated online to show how difficult it is even for a government-approved church to celebrate Christmas.
Father Francis Liu from Chinese Christian Fellowship of Righteousness also shared a photo of riot police standing in front of Xishiku Cathedral in Beijing’s Xicheng district. Ironically, a board outside of the church’s gate reads “Due to the pandemic, all church activities have been halted.” The excessive measure further proves the government’s fear of religion.
In addition, Shenzhen University also sent out a notice to staff asking them to ban students from holding Christmas activities, posting Christmas flyers, or showing Christmas display in campus.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
"difficult" - Google News
December 25, 2020 at 11:50AM
https://ift.tt/3rrCg9Q
Another Difficult Christmas for Chinese Christians - International Christian Concern
"difficult" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2VWzYBO
https://ift.tt/3d5eskc
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Another Difficult Christmas for Chinese Christians - International Christian Concern"
Post a Comment