06/06/2019 China (International Christian Concern) – Chinese Christians gathered to remember the Tiananmen Square Massacre, whose 30-year anniversary occurred this week. The Chinese government continues to deny the atrocities committed during this massacre, which has become a symbol for China’s continued violation of freedom of conscience.
The Chinese government’s determination to increase restrictions on freedom of conscience have significant impact on the rights of religious minorities. The Tiananmen Square murders were part of the government’s attempt to impose uniformity of communist belief on its citizenry. Christians are viewed as a threat because they do not fall within the boundaries of uniformity that the state seeks to imply on Christians.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom rates China as a Tier 1 Country of Particular Concern. The 2019 report notes that religious freedom decreased even more significantly when China banned “unauthorized” religious teachings. By seeking to erase all practice of religion, China is seeking to further consolidate its power.
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