ReutersThe Communist Party is believed to be becoming progressively more suspicious of the influence of Christianity, which is experiencing significant growth in China.
ishtartv.com - christiantoday.com
Thu
28 Dec 2017
Release
International, which campaigns for persecuted Christians worldwide, has
highlighted China, Nigeria and India as 'countries of concern' in 2018.
In
its latest Persecution Trends Report it says China has been
cracking down on Christmas celebrations in some districts, banning Santa Claus
and Christmas hats to further tighten its squeeze on Christianity. Release
warns Christians in China are set to face a harsh new year, with tougher
regulations on religious affairs coming into force in February giving the state
greater control over churches and other places of worship.
The
restrictions are being promoted to 'block extremism' and prevent the use of
religion to 'endanger national security and undermine social order'. They
reflect the Communist Party's fear that foreign powers are working to undermine
its authority by supporting Christianity.
Release
partner China Aid says the clampdown on Christianity in the atheist state is at
its severest since the cultural revolution.
In
Anhui, an official public security notice declared: 'Public places are not
allowed to celebrate Christmas. Even creating a Christmas atmosphere – such as
putting up Christmas trees, Santa Claus, wearing Christmas hats, and all other
items related to Christmas is severely restricted. All Christmas-related activities
are required to be cancelled.'
In
Zhejiang, officials tore down a Christmas tree and in Hangzhou authorities
warned Christians not to attend a Christmas celebration, leaving empty tables
that had been laid and decorated.
In
Nigeria, Christian villages have been coming under sustained attack by armed
Fulani herdsman. The militants are driving Christians from their farms, killing
and displacing thousands. A Nigerian partner of Release says the Fulani are
being armed and encouraged to drive out Christians from the north in pursuit of
an Islamist agenda.
The
rise of right-wing Hindu nationalism in India lies behind increasing attacks
against Christians there.
Countries
of concern in the Middle East include Iran, where authorities are target
Christian leaders for arrest and imprisonment, and Egypt, where Christian girls
are being groomed and kidnapped.
Release
is asking Christians to pledge to pray for the persecuted throughout 2018.
|