China--Christian Persecution in China, Religious liberty in China, human rights in china,

 

Asia: China

Country Report Last Updated: June 2003

Code: A-2, 3

(Click here for a code description.)

 China
(Click here for a list of ICC articles on China.)
List of Articles Last Updated: June 15, 2003

*We make every attempt to keep up with and reflect changes in the national
government of China and the current human rights situation. We appreciate
your feedback if you find any discrepancies in this information.
You can contact us by e-mail at: icc@persecution.org. Thanks.



 China Incidents Contd. . .

 

Religious Atmosphere:

Buddhism is the country’s dominant religion with around 100 million adherents. Islam is practiced by approximately 20 million people. The government allows for the practice of Christianity as long as it is done under the auspices of the state controlled churches. The Catholic Patriotic Association, which does not recognize the authority of the Vatican, claims some 5 million adherents while the Three-Self Patriotic Movement claims between 10-15 million Protestant worshippers. Unofficial Catholics (those who are affiliated with the Vatican) number around 10 million while Protestant house churches may have as many as 30 million members. Folk religions and Taoism are also practiced by a larger number of people. Practitioners of eastern religions usually receive less interference from the government than "foreign" religions like Christianity and Islam. Tibetan Buddhism, however, is not tolerated by the government.

Extremist Groups:

No extremist groups have been cited for incidents of persecution in China.

Government:

  • While the constitution states that citizens enjoy total religious freedom, the government has consistently attempted to restrict all religious practice to government-authorized religious organizations and registered places of worship.
      
  • All religions are required to register with government religious affairs bureaus and accept the supervision of official religious organizations. Many groups have resisted this action on the grounds of opposing state control of religion, being unwilling to limit their activities, or refusing to compromise their positions on issues which don't agree with that of the government.
      
  • The Communist Party officially states that party membership and religious belief are incompatible. This is a considerable concern for believers since Party membership is required for almost all high-level positions. Even so, a 1995 government survey showed that 20 percent of the Communist Party engages in some kind of religious activity.
      
  • Foreigners are not allowed to proselytize. They are allowed to preach to other foreigners, bring in religious materials for their own use, and preach to Chinese at the invitation of a registered religious organization.
       
  • In the province of Guangdong, local regulations have been added to the government ones. Illegal materials (any unapproved foreign religious material) cannot be sold, distributed, copied, or shipped. Chinese residents cannot accept any outside money or assistance from foreigners or foreign organizations. The existence of any unapproved religious organization or personnel is illegal. Foreigners cannot establish a religious organization, churches, appoint any pastors/leaders, distribute religious materials, train disciples, or conduct any other religious activities. Foreign organizations cannot recruit religious students from overseas to attend religious universities in China without the approval of the Chinese government. All of these crimes are punishable by fines of $2,200 to $11,000.
      
  • The seminaries are largely government controlled. To qualify for the clergy, one must demonstrate "political reliability" and pass an examination of their political knowledge.
       
  • Provincial governments have taken extreme means to eradicate the underground Catholic Church in their jurisdiction. Taken from the plans in the Donglai township, the following actions were recommended: Registering and setting up a file for each religious believer, and investigating the background of out-of-town Catholics. These plans also call for disintegrating the underground religious influences by uniting the majority through education, isolating and attacking the extremists, developing overall education, organizing specialists, and using "any other conceivable means."
               
  • The government-run Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA) and the Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) are attempting to unite the 80 million members of the underground church by offering reconciliation, the promise of allowed registration for house churches, and a halt to make Chinese theology more socialist, the movement that was lead by Bishop Ding.   Many underground members are concerned the unification will restrict evangelization methods.

Recent Actions:

December 2002 - January 2003 - Chinese authorities carried out mass raids on Christian house churches, according to a Communist publication. Over 100 believers were arrested in Qiliping and Xiaguan. Hundreds of Christian books, tapes, and videos were confiscated in the raids. (Compass Direct)
    

December 28, 2002 - At least 78 Christians in Henan province were arrested after authorities concluded their meetings were "nests of heresy." (Compass Direct)
    

December 24, 2002 - An underground Catholic priest was arrested in Baoding, Hubei province after celebrating a secret Christmas mass with Catholics. Rev. Dong Yingmu is one of about 50 Catholic priests or bishops detained or under house arrest. (Cardinal Kung Foundation)
     

December 8, 2002 - House church leader Guoxing (Philip) Xu was arrested along with several people attending his church in Shanghai. The others were eventually released but Xu continues to be held. In addition, books, a computer, and 30 stools were confiscated from his home. Xu was previously imprisoned for over 6 years. (Jubilee Campaign)
   

October 9, 2002 - A few hours after being released from prison, four female members of the South China Church were re-arrested. Feng Ping Xiang, Xicun Meng, YingPing Li and Xian Zhi Li were planning to press charges against prison officials who tortured them and forced them to sign false statements against church leader Gong Shengliang and were undoubtedly arrested in order to prevent a lawsuit. They have reportedly been sentenced to 3 years re-education through labor. (Jubilee Campaign)
    

October 9, 2002 - During a miraculous re-trial of members of the South China Church (see September 22, 2002 below), four people were exonerated and immediately released. Pastor Gong Shengliang, Xiu Fuming and Hu Yong had their sentences changed from execution to life in prison. Li Ying and Bang Kun Gong had their sentences reduced from death to 15 years in prison. (VOM)
   

September 22, 2002 - The Hubei Provincial Supreme Court threw out the conviction of 17 members of the South China Church (see December 18, 2001 below), citing insufficient evidence. The case was sent back to the Jingmen City Intermediate People's Court for retrial on October 9. Lawyers for the South China Church were not informed of the Supreme Court's verdict until a week later and have been given inadequate time to prepare. (VOM)
    

September 20, 2002 - Adventist preacher Lanxiang Wang was sentenced to three years of re-education through labor for her "cult" activities and was sent to the Masanjia Labor Camp in Shenyang City (see September 3, 2002 below). (CIRPC)
    

September 9, 2002 - Roman Catholic bishop, Wei Jingyi, was arrested in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang province. At least 50 underground bishops are believed to be imprisoned as well as many other Roman Catholics. (Cardinal Kung Foundation)
    

September 8, 2002 - Four Christians in Henan Province were summoned to the township police station by the village Party secretary. They were then taken to the local Three Self Patriotic church where it was determined that they were not members of the official church. Police then levied fines ranging from 1000 to 1500 RMB against the Christians for illegal assembly. One of the Christians protested the fines and the police chief began to kick him repeatedly. All four were later transferred to the Luanchuan County Detention Center. They were released 10 days later. (CIRPC)
    

September 6, 2002 - A Christian man and woman were stopped by police after sharing the gospel with a family in Taipain town, Liaoning province. Mr. Xianhu Zhu informed police that he had severe heart problems, but they beat him mercilessly anyway. After several hours of beating Mr. Xianhu suffered a heart attack and was unable to walk. Xianhu then paid the police to drive him to a hospital but they instead dumped him off at a crematory. Meanwhile, his companion, Ms. Yaling Li was severely beaten and given 15 days detention for "disturbing social order." (CIRPC)
   

September 3, 2002 - Police officers in Wushun City, Liaoning province followed Christian Lanxiang Wang to her home and interrogated her about her preaching activities. After eating her food and messing up the entire house, the officers took Lanxiang and some Christian materials to the Piaotun police station. She was later transferred to the City Detention Center. (CIRPC)
   

August 14, 2002 - Six Christians were arrested during a baptism ceremony in Henan province. One of the Christians was released the following day after paying a 2000 RMB fine. The others were held for 10 days and also forced to pay the same fine. (CIRPC)
    

August 8, 2002 - Twenty-four Christians, including teenagers, were meeting in a private home in Jiangsu Province when 12 police from the PSB surrounded the house. All the attendees were then hauled off to the local police station. The hostess of the meeting, Meiling Chen, was beaten when she refused to go. At the police station the group was interrogated for about 10 hours and was denied food and drink. Later that night 21 people were released. Meiling and several preachers were sent to the county detention center. (CIRPC)

August 2002 - Christians are being blamed in South Korea of being involved in a conspiracy to destabilize the North Korean regime. Because of "grotesque dictatorship and famine" hundreds of thousands of North Korean refugees are hiding in North East China. The Chinese headlines are accusing overseas hostile forces, in particular Christians, as the Chinese government takes drastic action to "stem the flood of desperate refugees". (Compass Direct)
   

July 18, 2002 - A Roman Catholic catechism class in Fujian province was raided by police and a nun, 4 chaperones, and 26 children under the age of 18 were arrested and put in the Lianjing County jail. The children and chaperones were released the following day but Sister Chen Mei remains imprisoned. (Cardinal Kung Foundation)
   

June 2002 - It was reported that all of the house church leader kidnapped by the Eastern Lightning cult (see April 19, 2002 below) have now been freed. Some of them are suffering health problems due to the torture they endured.
   

May 24-26, 2002 - Six North Korean defectors were caught in Yunnan Province. They are currently being transported to northern China where they will be handed over to North Korean authorities. One of the defectors, Mr. Lee Hong-gang is a Christian whose family members were killed for their witness of Christ. It is believed that Mr. Lee and the others will be executed upon being returned to North Korea. One of the group is a 2-year-old boy whose mother has been granted asylum in South Korea. (CSW)
   

April 19, 2002 - Thirty-six leaders of the China Gospal Fellowship (CGF), a house church movement of about 4 million members, were abducted by members of the Eastern Lightning, a cult whose leader claims to be the female incarnation of Christ. The leaders were lured into meeting with the cult members on the pretense of attending training seminars offered by a Bible institute in Singapore. The Eastern Lightning targets house church leaders to gain recruits. They are known to use torture, brainwashing, and sexual seduction to produce converts. Members of the CGF have approached the Chinese government, seeking their help to rid China of the Eastern Lightning. This could prove a dangerous move as the CGF has also been labeled an evil cult by Chinese officials.
     

March 20, 2002 - Catholic bishop, Julius Jia Zhiguo, was arrested by security police in Zhengding. He had previous troubles with the authorities for running an orphanage. He had also spent several years in labor camps. His current whereabouts are unknown. (Cardinal Kung Foundation)
    

February 2002 - Secret Chinese government documents released this month reveal that as many as 23,686 Christians have been arrested since 1983; 20,000 have been beaten, and 129 have been killed in an effort to stamp out the underground church in China. The documents were released by the Committee for the Investigation on Persecution of Religion in China. China experts have said the documents are authentic.
   

February 21, 2002 - During President Bush's visit to China, Beijing authorities arrested 47 Christians who were gathered at a prayer meeting in a retirement home. Personal items including Bibles and cell phones were confiscated. The Christians were repeatedly interrogated and were not allowed to get a drink or use the toilet. They were released the following day, but 15 people were detained again later and released on February 23. The retirement home has been ordered to close and the owners were fined. (CNN)
    

February 9, 2002 - The Hong Kong Christian sentenced to two years imprisonment for illegal business operations (see January 28, 2002) was released from prison. (ANS)
   

January 2002 - Information uncovered about the harassment and arrest of Pastor Gong Shengliang and members of his church indicates that two members of the congregation may already have been killed. Sources do not seem to agree on who the two victims were. One source says they were executed on December 5th while another says they died after torture in police custody. Several sources report that accusations of rape against Pastor Gong were extracted under torture, as several church members were shocked in the chest with electric prods, beaten, and kicked by prison guards.
    

January 28, 2002 - After international pressure, a Chinese court changed the charges against Li Guangqiang (see January 5, 2002 below) and sentenced him to two years in prison for "illegal business operations." (ANS)
    

January 5, 2002 – Hong-Kong based businessman Li Guangqiang was indicted on charges of “using a cult to undermine enforcement of the law.” In April of 2000 Li had delivered 17,000 Bibles to a Christian group known as the Shouters. When he attempted to deliver another 16,000 Bibles to them the next month he was arrested and detained in Fujian province. Two leaders of the Shouters were also charged. The group is not registered with the Chinese government and has been labeled as a cult. (Washington Post)     
    

January 5, 2002 – Pastor Gong Shenliang (see December 18, 2001 below) was given a stay of execution so he could have time to appeal his case. It was also reported that some witnesses against Pastor Gong may have given fabricated testimonies. (Compass Direct)
 

December 2001 - Fifteen North Korean Christians and four people helping them to flee North Korea were arrested in Inner Mongolia. The 15 North Koreans were deported to North Korea, where they will be put into labor camps. The other four people, three South Koreans and an ethnically Korean Chinese citizen remain imprisoned in China. (CSW)       
    

December 18, 2001 – During a secret trial in Hubei province, Gong Shenliang, the founder of the “South China” house church movement, was sentenced to death for “complicity in rape” and “leading an evil cult.” Four other members were also given death sentences including Gong’s niece, Li Ying. Their sentences were suspended for 2 years. A total of 63 members of the movement have been imprisoned. (Compass Direct) *note: ICC is not familiar with Pastor Gong or his movement and cannot verify the credibility of his movement.
       

July 26, 2001 – Police arrested 8 Christians, including Ah Kong and Pastor Li Dexian during an unregistered Christian home meeting in Guangdong Province.  The police are seeking to extract a large fine from Ah Kong as a penalty and are refusing to release him. Li was released from the Huadu Detention Centre in Guangdong after three days.
 

June 2001 – Twelve people have been sentenced to 2-3 years of "re-education through labor" in connection with the raid on the Dongsheng house church (see May 26, 2001 below).
   

May 26, 2001 – Police raided a house church in Dongsheng city, Inner Mongolia, arresting 35 people. The next day 20 people were released after paying a fine of 200 yuan ($24), but the remaining 15 people, including the church leaders, remain in custody. Wang Yuluan and Li Haihe could be sentenced to three years of re-education through labor. Wang’s husband is already serving a term in labor camp for his Christian activities.
    

May 22, 2001 – A confidential report received by ICC indicated that 20 Christians had been arrested in a particular area of China. All but eight were later released. However, the eight in custody were sentenced to remain in chains for 7 to 15 days. In a separate case, a 70-year-old preacher is being held for not having an official preaching permit.
   

April 22, 2001 – Father Lu Genjun has been sentenced to three years of labor camp.   His crime as stated officially: (1) receiving theological training, (2) being ordained a Roman Catholic priest not recognized by the Hebei Patriotic Association Catholic Administration committee, (3) refusing the recognize the Patriotic Association, and (4) conducting evangelization activities (including Holy Mass and preaching the Gospel).  The Patriotic Association is the body created by the Communist regime in 1957 in an attempt to replace to Roman Catholic Church.
 

April 13, 2001 – Bishop Shi Enxiang, a leader in China’s unofficial Roman Catholic Church in Hebei province, was arrested in Beijing. He has already served almost 30 years in prison, most recently from 1990-1993.
   

December 7, 2000 – A house church leader was arrested in Wenzhou for being the leader of an "evil cult." His home was also ransacked by authorities. He has been released on $30,000 RMB ($3600) bail. He was told the money could be returned to him in 6 months if he ceases all religious activities.
    

December 7, 2000 – Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported that underground Protestant Christians continue to endure torture during imprisonment. Several people testified of being tied to a cross and leaned against a wall for long periods of time. Christian leaders also face heavy fines which cause them extreme financial hardship and can make it impossible for them to continue in the ministry. Re-education by labor is another frequently imposed punishment for Christians who practice their faith outside of the official churches.
    

November 2000 – During the most destructive crackdown on Christian churches since the Cultural Revolution, at least 787 churches were destroyed, 188 were banned, and 97 were taken for other purposes by the Chinese government. This crackdown, which occurred in Wenzhou city and three surrounding counties in Zhejiang province, may be a test case to determine the amount of international outcry such destruction would cause. Authorities in Wenzhou said their actions were warranted because the unregistered groups "hoodwinked people and interfered in normal religious activities."
    

October 16, 2000 – A 19-year-old underground church member died in police custody. Liu Haitao was arrested during a raid on his house church on September 4, 2000 in Xiayi county, Henan province. Though he complained of being ill, authorities did not allow him medical care.
    

September 14, 2000 – An underground Catholic bishop was arrested in Jiangxi Province. Bishop Zeng Jingmu has continued to resist the official government-controlled Catholic Church since being ordained by the Pope in 1949. Zeng’s loyalty to Vatican has cost him over 30 years in prison.
    

August 30, 2000 – An underground Catholic Church in Fujian province was raided by police and 24 people were taken into custody. Twenty-two people are still being detained in an undisclosed location.
     

August 27, 2000 – Henry Chu, Sandee Lin, and Patricia Lan were deported because of their missionary activities (see below).
    

August 25, 2000 – The three American missionaries arrested in Xihua (see below) were released after detention and interrogation. They reported being beaten and kicked by authorities. Other members of the church are still being held.
    

August 23, 2000 – One hundred and nine members of the Fangcheng Church were arrested in Xihua county, Henan province. Among those arrested were Henry Chu, Sandee Lin, and Patricia Lan, American missionaries from California. All are being detained.
    

August 21, 2000 – Seven members of the China Evangelistic Fellowship were arrested in Yun-cheng city, Shaanxi province.
    

August 2, 2000 – A Bible school run by the China Evangelistic Fellowship was ransacked and 35 professors and students were taken into custody. The building was then destroyed.
    

July 17, 2000 – Christian Xu Guoxing (also known as Philip Xu) was released from prison after serving a 3 year re-education through labor sentence. Xu had been arrested in July of 1997 for holding church meetings in his home.
    

May 16, 2000 –Founder of China’s Born Again movement, Xu Yongze, was released from prison after serving a 3 year re-education through labor sentence. Pastor Xu was originally arrested on March 15, 1997 during a raid on house church leaders. Xu reported some harsh treatment in prison, including being slapped, and having his hands handcuffed behind his back while being pulled up in the air for beatings.
     
  

November 22, 1998 - A petition was issued by the leaders of several Chinese House Churches that requested the following:

A government examination of trends and changes in the religious practices of its citizens and an adjustment in the government's religious policies.
    

The unconditional release of prisoners who are being held in Labor Reform Camps for their religious beliefs.
     

A governmental acknowledgment that the majority of religious individuals are members of the underground church (approximately 10 million in the government run "Three-Self" churches and 80 million in the house church movement.)
    

A dialogue be started between the Chinese Communist Party and the house church leaders.
    

A revised official government definition of a "cult." This definition should not be based on lack of affiliation with the government run "Three-self" churches.
    

A cessation of attacks on Chinese house churches by legal authorities

It is estimated that there are around 200 prisoners being held for their religious beliefs. Due to the level of police action, it is difficult to keep an exact count. Please see the recent actions above for the names of some of the most recent prisoners.

Suggested Actions You Might Take:

Pray for the Christians of China that they may be protected from harm and that the Christian message may be heard and received by all. Pray especially for the security and well being of the underground house church leaders who are currently in prison for their faith.
     

Write a respectful letter to one or more of the government officials listed below. Express your continuing concern for the safety and well being of the Christian community in China. Request information about what steps the government is taking to ensure their protection and freedom to practice their faith as laid out in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights documents.

Contact the elected national officials (Senators, Congressman etc.) for your area as well as the U.S. State Department and express concern for the well being of the Christians in China asking them to make an inquiry into their status.
    

Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at icc@persecution.org.

Suggested Actions You Might Take:

  • Pray for the Christians of China that they may be protected from harm and that the Christian message may be heard and received by all. Pray especially for the security and well being of the underground house church leaders who are currently in prison for their faith.
         
  • Write a respectful letter to one or more of the government officials listed below. Express your continuing concern for the safety and well being of the Christian community in China. Request information about what steps the government is taking to ensure their protection and freedom to practice their faith as laid out in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights documents.
  • Contact the elected national officials (Senators, Congressman etc.) for your area as well as the U.S. State Department and express concern for the well being of the Christians in China asking them to make an inquiry into their status.
        
    •
  • Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at icc@persecution.org.

 

Prisoners: See ICC prisoners list

Official Contacts:
Ambassador Yang Jiechi
Embassy of the Peoples Republic Of China
2300 Connecticut Ave.
Washington D.C., 20008
Tel: (202) 328-2500

Jiang Zemin Guojia Zhuxi
President of the People's Republic of China
Beijingshi, People`s Republic of China

Zhu Rongji
Premier, People's Republic of China
Guowuyuan
9 Xihuangchenggenbeijie
Beijingshi 100032
People`s Republic of China
Fax: 86-10-6-512-5810

 Qiao Shi Weiyuanzhang
Chairman, National People's Congress
Quanguo renmmin Daibiao Dahui
Great Hall of the People
Beijingshi
People`s Republic of China

Governor, Hebei Provincial People's Government
Shijiazhuangshi
Hebei Sheng
People`s Republic of China

Governor, Henan Provincial People's Government
Zhengzhoushi
Henansheng, People`s Republic of China

 

ICC Articles on China:

 

 

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