[Today’s Prayer] China Strengthens Sanctions on Missionary Activities… “All Sermons Must Receive Prior Approval”

The Chinese Communist Party is set to take effect on May 1st with new regulations that will strengthen its crackdown on Christianity. China has banned foreign missionaries from preaching and establishing religious groups, justifying this as necessary for national security.

The Christian Post (CP) in the United States recently reported, citing the Mission News Network, that “the newly revised regulations explicitly prohibit ‘non-Chinese’ residing in China from preaching without a license, establishing religious schools, producing or selling religious books, accepting religious donations, or recruiting Chinese citizens as religious believers.”

In addition, he said, “Foreign clergy may only preach if officially invited by a state-approved religious institution, and all sermon content must be approved by the government in advance.”

The Chinese Communist Party generally defines “normal religious activities” as “activities carried out within the framework of strictly state-controlled institutions.” Independent religious groups operating outside these boundaries are often labeled by the government as cults or extremists.

According to the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern (ICC), Chinese state media claimed the move was “to promote national security and protect normal religious activity.”

The independent house church movement has been particularly affected by these policy changes. It has become common for Chinese authorities to raid and arrest house church members in order to dismantle groups they deem to be a threat to “political security and social stability.”

The Washington Stand noted that “earlier this year, China’s Global Times reported explicitly that ‘in 2024, there will be increased efforts by public security authorities to dismantle these groups.’” The Ministry of Public Security also publicly acknowledged that it had “increased investment in surveillance technology and personnel dedicated to monitoring and curtailing the activities of independent religious groups.”

China uses extensive technology to monitor the movements and groups of its citizens and assess their loyalty to the Communist Party. The system specifically targets “individuals associated with unregistered house churches” and “those who engage in religious activities outside the framework approved by the state.” China recognizes freedom of religion, but it must exist within a strictly controlled scope.

Representatives of religious groups already active in China said the new regulations would make foreign exchanges much more difficult, but would not completely halt religious activities. Groups such as Bibles for China already operate within state-sanctioned organizations and do not see an immediate impact on their operations due to the new regulations. However, overseas missionary efforts, especially visits, meetings with pastors, and direct involvement in the field, are likely to become much more difficult.

Foreign funding for religious activities in China is also subject to strict controls.

Source: News

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. (Psalm 34:19-20)

Lord, we hear that the Chinese Communist Party is enacting regulations that increase the suppression of Christianity. Satan is sanctioning missionary activity and tightening laws to prevent the Gospel from reaching China, but that won't stop the Gospel from reaching China.

China is cracking down on Christianity for the sake of political stability, only allowing religious activities that are monitored and controlled by the government.

Would allow the Chinese church to be uncompromising, discerning, and victorious in the face of circumstances.

Let the gospel of Jesus Christ cover China no matter what the circumstances, and let China be a nation where You alone are king!

We lift up the Chinese church and independent house churches who are keeping the faith in the midst of difficult circumstances. You have said that the righteous suffer much, but You deliver him from all his troubles! Please protect and preserve the Chinese church in the midst of persecution and suffering, and make it victorious in faith to the end!

Let China be united in the love of the cross of Jesus beyond all persecution and suffering, and raise up one million missionaries to save the nations with the gospel!

Let China prepare the way for the coming of the Lord with all nations!