Control Over Christianity Tightens

(Compass) – Evidence is emerging of a renewed crackdown on “illegal religious activities” in China and a tightening of controls on academic and media activities related to religion. Several government meetings held this year have encouraged provincial leaders to step up their efforts to control house church movements, leading to a wave of mass arrests in June, July and August. Even official church leaders have been targeted. Jin Da, a leader of the officially recognized Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), was arrested in mid July. A few weeks later, the government approved detailed new regulations for the administration of religious affairs in China . Partly in reaction to a controversial book and DVD documentary released earlier this year, the government has also downplayed the growth of the church in China .