China Intensifies Crackdown on Christian Churches

The Chinese government continues its crackdown on Christians and Christian churches, reportedly announcing that it is intensifying its campaign against Christianity.

The Christian Post reports that under Chinese President Xi Jinping, Christians in China have experienced the worst persecution in 20 years. Particularly in the last couple years, Xi’s government has made a concerted effort to make it clear that religious activity will be closely monitored.

Some reports even state that last year, in 2014, Chinese Christians experienced the worst persecution they have experienced in a generation.

As ChristianHeadlines.com earlier reported, China has been in the midst of a campaign to take down the large red crosses that grace the tops of many Chinese churches. In addition to the cross campaign, the Chinese government has demolished around 1,700 churches and imprisoned prominent Christians and their advocates.

Prominent Christian lawyer Zhang Kai was accused of being a threat to China’s “national security” and imprisoned for aiding Christians in the battle to keep crosses on churches.

Zhongguo Mingzu Bao, the Chinese Communist Party’s official paper, has announced that this crackdown on Christians will continue and even intensify. According to the paper, President Xi wants to have more control over churches and religious activities.

Despite the persecution and religious freedom restrictions, however, the church in China is seeing rapid growth, with an estimated 10,000 people being converted daily.

Source: Pravoslavie.ru