China is a “key country of concern” when it comes to the persecution of Christians with a new report saying Christians in the country look set to face a “harsh” year ahead.
UK-based Release International, in comments made ahead of the release of its annual Persecution Trends report, said that new rules coming into force in February which give the state greater control over places of worship will mean house churches are expected to face “increasingly tough measures to control their activities”.
It cites partner organisation China Aid as saying the clampdown on Christianity – which comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping strengthens his control over the country – is at its “severest” since the Cultural Revolution of last century.
Christmas celebrations have reportedly been targeted in the crackdown with bans on Santa Claus and Christmas hats in some districts. An official public security notice in Anhui declared that Christmas could not be celebrated in public spaces and all Christmas-related activities were required to be cancelled while China Aid also reports that in Zhejiang, officials tore down a Christmas tree and in Hangzhou authorities warned Christians off attending a Christmas celebration, “leaving empty tables that had been laid and decorated”.
The measures being taken against Christianity are also impacting refugees coming from North Korea, reportedly leading to some Chinese Christians – who offer support to new arrivals – to withdraw their aid from the underground church in North Korea.
Other nations of concern mentioned in the report include Vietnam where a new law on belief and religion being introduced in 2018 is expected to increase pressure on churches, Nigeria where armed Fulani herdsmen continue to attack Christian villages, and India where militant Hindus have been pressuring officials to close churches.
In the Middle East, Christians are continuing to leave Iran as authorities target house church leaders and those involved in evangelism while in Egypt Release partners report that Christian girls are being “systematically targeted” for kidnap before being forced into marriage in order to change their religion.
Release, which was founded by Romanian pastor Richard Wurmbrand, celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.
CEO Paul Robinson described the event as a “milestone”.
“Since 1968, the prayers and gifts of supporters throughout the UK and Ireland have helped many thousands of Christians who have been persecuted for their faith. For this we are truly humbled and deeply grateful to God. Today, as our Persecution Trends Report for 2018 shows, the need for prayer and support is greater than ever.”
