| Apr 23 2012. |
In September last year, China Aid says a secret document was issued by the Chinese authorities aimed at 'completely eradicating house churches' in three phases.
The first phase, from January to June 2012, was to investigate house churches and create files on them. The second phase, to take place within three years, was to 'clean up' those churches. The third phase, due for completion within ten years, was to 'completely wipe out the house churches'.
According to China Aid, the clampdown can be traced back to December 2010, when the Communist Party Central Committee launched 'Operation Deterrence'.
Government officials were told to 'guide' Christians attending unregistered churches to worship instead in government-approved Three-Self churches.
At the same time, they were to break up larger churches, such as Shouwang Church in Beijing, into smaller groups. Shouwang has been forced to hold services in the open-air since Easter 2011, and worshippers face surveillance and arrest.
China Aid notes an increase in persecution against the house churches since the start of the year. It also reports a crackdown on Christian education materials and bookstores.
(Source: China Aid)
• Pray for protection for China's house churches, and for God's blessing as they continue to spread the truth of the gospel.
• Please pray also for Shouwang Church in Beijing, whose members faithfully meet outside in all weathers, under surveillance and at risk of arrest. Ask that God would embolden and protect them.
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| Not much has changed in new, capitalist China! |
