Amid a new wave of repression against religious freedom, Chinese authorities have arrested several dozen members of one of the country’s most influential «underground» Protestant churches. Pastor Jin Mingri, the founder of the Zion Church − which is not recognized by the Chinese state − and at least 20 other clergy members from his movement have been detained since Friday, October 10. It may be the most severe blow since at least 2018 to Christian communities that refuse to submit to government religious oversight.
Their arrest illustrates the tightening of control in China over religious groups operating outside state oversight. The Chinese authorities officially recognize five religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism), but they control the appointment of clergy and sermons. Those who refuse to comply face regular pressure as part of ongoing campaigns to reassert control. On September 29, the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) held a «study session» led by President Xi Jinping on the theme «Systematically promoting the sinicization of religion in China.» The discussion included «actively guiding religion to adapt to socialist society.»
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