For background on Orthodox Christianity in China, see here.
For previous ChristianPersecution.com coverage of the persecution of Christians in China, see here.
“China, Christians Told to Strictly Enforce New Restrictive Measures on Religion,” by Zhang Chunhua, Bitter Winter, August 25, 2023:
Earlier this month, “Bitter Winter” published the first full English translation of the new “Administrative Measures for Religious Activity Venues,” which will come into force on September 1 next. With respect to the draft previously circulated, in their final text there are even stricter provisions for including propaganda content in sermons, and establishing study groups of Communist Party documents in all places of worship. Religious activity venues should actively broadcast CCP propaganda, or face liquidation….
On August 2, 2023, the Three-Self Church organized a special meeting to solemnly receive the Measures and swear allegiance to them. Pastor Xu Xiaohong, chairman of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee, presided over the ceremony. Pastor Wu Wei, President of the China Christian Association, Pastor Kan Baoping, Vice Chairman of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee, Pastor Shan Weixiang, Vice President and Director-General of the China Christian Association, Pastor Lin Manhong, deputy director-general of the same association, also spoke.
The full text was read to the participants. Pastor Xu Xiaohong praised the Measures for guaranteeing ‘the safety, harmony and stability of Christian places of worship,” and making sure that Christians will “run churches in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.” Pastor Wu Wei said that “it was great time to enact these Measures,” and Christian pastors should understand that their job is now the “construction of a religious order that is compatible with a socialist society.”…
