10/24/2018 China (International Christian Concern) – President Xi Jinping continues to tighten restrictions on religious freedom, causing believers to live in a “nightmare” according to a congressional commission report.
The restrictions placed on religious freedoms in China are part of Jinping’s efforts to “Sinicize” religion to serve the interest of the government. The Baptist Press reported that the U.S. Representative and Commission co-chair, Chris Smith, stated “If you don’t comport with the Communist Party principle about everything you do to the ideology of Xi Jinping, you are going to be arrested, you are going to be tortured, and in many cases you are going to be killed.”
In China, something as simple and innocent as prayer in public can be considered an illegal religious activity. This has made life for Christians in the country extremely difficult.
China continues to actively use authority as a repression tool to target minorities. Under Jinping, the administration has grown more aggressive in withholding basic freedoms, such as freedom of religion. As the Communist Party believe Christianity poses a major threat to its stability, life for Christians in China becomes increasingly dangerous.
For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
