China's Step To Control Religion Begins

A mosque in China (Source: Commons Wikimedia)

JAKARTA - China is strengthening its censorship control over Christian religious publications approved for distribution by the state. The Chinese Communist Party has banned many books or literature related to religion it deems subversive. However some Christian groups were able to distribute religious literature that met state censorship requirements.

Recently, however, according to China Aid - a Christian NGO that focuses on raising awareness of religious freedom in China - censors have started removing the words 'Christ' and 'Jesus' from several publications, including on social media networks. The words were replaced with the initials of the letters 'JD' and 'YS'.

Other writers say Christian writers may also have substituted the words voluntarily. They try to circumvent online censorship that might hinder the reach of online readers.

Quoting Voice of America, Wednesday, October 21, China's control of religion goes beyond censoring religious publications. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of churches and large crosses that the state dismantles for allegedly violating regulations. Xu Yonghai, a pastor at a church in Beijing said since 2014 the Chinese Communist Party has targeted government-approved churches.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (Source: Commons Wikimedia)

“During former President Jiang Zemin's tenure, all the official churches were party assistants and were never under pressure. But since 2014 the government has started to restrict underground churches and official churches, ”he said, adding that this shows China is tightening religious controls and encouraging communism.

Meanwhile, it is known that the Vatican continues its engagement with the Chinese Communist Party. This month the Vatican confirmed that the Holy See has agreed a deal with China on an undisclosed process to approve bishops from that country.

The Vatican defends the steps needed to grow churches there. But in China, there are Catholics who object.

Zhang, a Catholic in China's southwestern Yunan Province, said it was treason on the part of the pope. He believes negotiating and compromising on sacred matters such as bishop appointments with the Chinese Communist Party is a sin. Meanwhile Pastor Xu said he understands the dilemma facing the Vatican.

Restrictions on the hadj and rebuilding of temples

Photo illustration (Haidan / Unsplash)

China has also been heavily criticized for its repressive actions against Muslims in Xinjiang Province. At least one million Uighurs are being held in government camps. But the crackdown on Muslims goes beyond the crackdown in Xinjiang.

This month Beijing announced stricter rules for all Muslims in China who wish to visit Saudi Arabia to perform the Haj or Umrah pilgrimage. The National Religious Affairs Administration issued a new set of rules stating that all travel to Saudi Arabia must be regulated by the Chinese Islamic Association.

The organization is controlled by the communist party's international outreach arm, the United Front Work Department. Private Hajj is not allowed.

The rule states "the association must educate pilgrimage participants about patriotic behavior, strengthen participant management, and prevent the infiltration of religious extremist thoughts and behavior that endanger national security."

In addition, some traditional temples have also been swept away by the CCP's promotion of atheism. Italy-based publication Bitter Winter, an online magazine that focuses on religious freedom and human rights in China, reports that in Linzhou City, Henan Province, more than 90 temples have been destroyed and more than a hundred were rebuilt in a month.

This folk belief shrine was turned into an elderly activity center, a farmers night school, and a volunteer service center. Actions to straighten out the place of popular belief were seen as a sign of the political achievements of the local government.

The Chinese government's move to control religion in the country has actually been smelled since last December 2019. At that time, China was rumored to be revising all religious scriptures in the country. However, the news evaporated until real control measures were discovered in recent times.