ICC Note:
Due to the new wave of persecution, Christians are fasting and praying in preparation. Previously, 48 articles were known to be part of the law, but now the new version of the law has 74 articles that covers aspects like general legal provisions, religious bodies, sites for religious activities, religious personnel, religious property, legal liability, and religious activities. Many are worried of the negative impact these new restrictions could have on the Chinese Christian population.
10/10/2016 China (Christian Today) – New laws that are all set to be passed in China threaten the Christians in the country with severe persecution, including prison.
CBN News reports that according to an anonymous tip-off from an American Christian, who has connections with China’s underground house church movement, church leaders in China are praying and fasting, and preparing themselves for the new legal amendments.
Reportedly, 26 new amendments to laws that regulate religious life are in the offing, and the citizens of the nation had until 7th of October to voice their concerns.
China Law Translate reveals that the new version of the law has 74 articles as opposed to the earlier version with 48 articles, and it covers aspects like general legal provisions, religious bodies, sites for religious activities, religious personnel, religious property, legal liability, and religious activities. These suggested amendments will exercise stringent controls on religious life in China.
Dr. David Curry, from Open Doors USA, stated that while the new amendments did have some common sense religious regulations that could protect the rights of Christians, he is worried about the impact they would have on China’s Christian population.
Speaking to CBN News, he said, “Many people within China view Christianity and their rapid growth as a threat to national unity.”
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