- The Iona Institute - https://ionainstitute.ie -

China imposes harsh new rules governing religious groups in 2020

China announced it will soon implement harsh new measures requiring all religious personnel to support and implement total submission to the Chinese Communist Party [1], sparking concern among Chinese Christians.

Asia News reports that the new administrative measures will be put in place for Chinese religious groups starting Feb. 1. The measures complete the “Regulations on religious affairs” revised two years ago and implemented on Feb. 1, 2018.

Under the new rules, every aspect of the life of religious communities — from formation, gatherings to annual and daily projects — is subject to approval by the government’s religious affairs department.

Additionally, all religious personnel are required to support, promote and implement total submission to the Chinese Communist Party among all members of their communities.