Christian websites in China have been suspended as new digital
content regulations take effect.
The measures, which require internet users who wish to post
religious content to obtain a permit, were introduced in March in
an attempt to regulate religious content posted online. The
Christian charity Open Doors says the move is “tightening the
screws on China’s churches and Christian media.”
A licence is only available for state-approved religious
institutions such as the Three Self Patriotic Movement and Chinese
Catholic Patriotic Association.
Open Doors says: “The goal is to further limit the scope of public
sharing of faith and to force all religions to align with Chinese
socialism.”
According to Open Doors’ local sources, the new rules are already
having a damaging effect.
After more than 20 years online, the Christian website “Jona Home”
closed on 12 April. Some accounts on WeChat – China’s number one
app – and Bible apps have already been closed – now just the
mention of the word “gospel” (fuyin) can be detrimental.
Government officials are also being trained in the implementation
of the regulations. Across China, online training sessions have
been set up for graduates in religious studies and others with a
similar background; it is understood that they will have the
necessary expertise to understand and vet religious content on
behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.
Those who do not comply with the new rules receive a warning. A
Christian website that offers news and devotionals, was blocked
for 10 days, as the owners were told to bring the content into
line with the new regulations.
The warning to the owners of the website read: “..no organisation
or individual should preach their religions, conduct religious
training, post or repost sermons or scripture preaching, conduct
religious activities or live stream or post texts, pictures or
recorded videos of religious rituals including services,
worshiping, incense burning, monkhood anointment, scripture
chanting, mass or baptism on the Internet.”
Dr David Landrum, Director of Advocacy at Open Doors UK and
Ireland, said: “Growing levels of control of the Internet in
combination with increased physical surveillance means that China
is on a path towards an Orwellian dystopia.
“The technological capabilities are all in place, and the
political will for this is a given. For Christians, the Internet
has become less free than for the average citizen, as they are
perceived as being allied with Western influences. ‘Cancelling’
Christianity in China seems to be a real goal for the CCP.”
China is currently number 17 on Open Doors’ World Watch List of
places where it is most difficult to live as a Christian.
