A new rule in China requires churches and other religious organizations in the country to adhere to the teachings of the government and support the leadership of the Communist Party.
The new rule was passed in 2019 and came to effect this month and requires all churches and other religious organizations to be examined and approved before they legally worship.
According to Article 5 of the new rules, all religions must embody the core values of socialism and strictly reflect on the Chinese tradition and culture that is defined by the Communist government.
Article 3 of the new rules, translated by Bitter Winter, states that "A religious organization can be recognized as such only when it has been examined and approved by the religious affairs department of the people's government, and register with the civil affairs department of the people's government, in accordance with the national regulations on the administration of social organizations, and on religious affairs. Without the approval of the religious affairs department of the people's government, or registration with the civil affairs department of the people's government, no religious activities in the name of religious organizations are allowed."
Article 17 says religious organizations should publicize the guidelines and policies of the Communist Party of China to the clergy and religious citizens in order to instruct and direct the clergy and religious citizens to support the rule of the Communist Party of China and "support the socialist system, follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, abide by the laws, regulations, rules and policies, correctly treat the relationship between state laws and religious rules, and strengthen their national consciousness, consciousness of rule by law, and consciousness of one's duty as a citizen."
Article 22 states that religious organizations "Should provide interpretations for doctrines and canons that meet the requirements of the development and progress of modern China, and in accordance with the glorious traditional Chinese culture."
Overall, the new laws seem to highlight that churches and all other religious organizations are to support the Chinese government instead of upholding the idea of worshiping God.
