The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has formally banned foreign missionaries from preaching, evangelising, and doing other missionary work in its newly enacted restrictions starting 1 May. This move is based on the newly revised “Implementation Rules for the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners in the People’s Republic of China” released in April, along with government interpretations.
According to the newly published rules, this is a continuation of the refinement and completion of the Regulations on Religious Affairs from previous years. The new rules specifically target foreigners. Removing the standardised and overly principled statements at the beginning, the main impacts are as follows:
1. All religious events involving foreign nationals (including but not limited to participation, preaching, exchanges, religious ceremonies, organising religious activities, missionary work, etc.) must be approved by relevant authorities, otherwise, they are considered illegal.
2. Foreign nationals entering China must ensure that any religious books, audio-visual materials, or documents they carry do not exceed personal use quantities. Otherwise, they must obtain approval from relevant authorities and declare them at customs. This effectively prohibits the public importation of religious books.
3. According to Article 29 of the Implementation Rules, unless approved, the following activities are classified as illegal:
- Interfering with or controlling Chinese religious groups, religious institutions, religious sites, or the management of religious personnel.
- Establishing religious organisations, setting up religious offices, religious sites, or religious schools.
- Promoting religious extremism, supporting or funding religious extremism and illegal religious activities, or using religion to undermine China’s national unity, ethnic solidarity, religious harmony, and social stability.
- Conducting unauthorised preaching, sermons, or collective religious activities.
- Recruiting Chinese citizens as religious followers or appointing religious personnel.
- Using religion to obstruct China’s judicial, educational, marriage, and social management systems.
- Producing or selling religious books, religious audio-visual materials, religious electronic publications, or distributing religious propaganda.
- Accepting religious donations from Chinese organisations or citizens.
- Organising religious education and training.
- Using the internet for illegal religious activities.
- Other illegal religious activities.
In summary, these new rules effectively prohibit foreign religious individuals from engaging in any religious activities in China under a personal capacity unless they go through official channels. However, through applications, approvals, or invitations from the Three-Self Church (government-sanctioned churches), foreign religious activities may still be possible, albeit under stricter scrutiny. The future environment for foreign religious institutions and missionary work in China will become more complex, and domestic religious organisations may face increased pressure as a result. However, in context and in history, the execution of these strengthened regulations may vary from place to place. In one area, these regulations might be strictly imposed/observed, but in another it might be loose.
Below are several ways to pray for the Chinese Church in light of this new restriction:
Pray for the foreign missionaries to China
Pray for the safety, wisdom, and discernment of foreign missionaries who have been affected by this new restriction. May the Holy Spirit guide their steps and give them new opportunities for ministry, even in the midst of challenges.
Pray for Chinese believers
Pray for the Chinese believers who may be impacted by this. Ask God to protect them and give them boldness and wisdom in sharing the gospel, despite the restrictions. Pray for their ability to connect with others and form supportive communities in Christ.
Pray for the authorities and government leaders of China
Pray for the Chinese government leaders and authorities involved in enforcing these regulations. Pray that the Lord would soften their hearts, that they may be receptive to the gospel, and for God to bring peace and understanding in their decision-making. Pray that they may have personal encounters with God and that one day, they will declare Him as the sovereign King.
Pray for new doors to open for the Church in China
Pray that despite the growing restrictions on religion, the Chinese people’s hearts will remain open to the gospel. Pray they will be drawn to the truth of Christ, either through digital means, personal relationships, or even through miraculous encounters with God. Pray that despite the new hurdles brought about by this new restriction, the Lord continues to open new doors in China that will help the Church remain steadfast and growing.
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