World Watch Monitor | July 26, 2018
Churches in China are becoming more careful over who they let in to their buildings, as government pressure increases following the implementation of new religious regulations earlier this year.
Local authorities have been pressured to take action. In Guangzhou, for example, the capital of the southern province Guangdong, a local source told World Watch Monitor the authorities are “trying to stir up the larger more influential churches to see what reaction they will get from the people”.
As a result “churches have become more careful in who they allow in”, the source said. “Newcomers are first questioned by the pastor.”
The government is especially wary of “high profile” churches that have access to international networks, draw crowds of people and are very active.
“Churches that hold meetings in commercial buildings are targeted,” the source said. “The authorities close church venues and more landlords refuse to continue rental contracts with churches. Hence, these local churches are forced to return to house meetings.”