CSW–
Authorities in China’s Xiamen shut down a Sunday service at Xingguang Church on 3 May, injuring several church members and damaging property during the process.
Witnesses report that police violently dispersed church members, removing those who resisted by force. One church member sustained several significant injuries, including two fractured ribs. Police also confiscated members’ mobile phones and broke a window and door lock as they forced their way into the service venue. Church members chanted ‘illegal’ as the police interrupted the service. Several church members detained by the police were released later the same day.
Those familiar with the case say the church, which is an unregistered ‘house’ church, has come under increasing pressure to join the state-sanctioned Three Self Patriotic Association. Across China, government authorities continue to force unregistered churches and other religious communities to either join the state-sanctioned associations or face permanent closure. Chinese Christians also report that police raided several other unregistered churches in Xiamen on Sunday, sometimes using violence. Meanwhile state-sanctioned churches are facing ever-increasing restrictions on their freedom of religion or belief, including being required to remove crosses and other religious symbols, sing songs in praise of the Communist Party during services, and ensure that under-18s do not participate in church activities. Continue reading…
