Don't mention God: Powerful nation outlaws online talk of religion

Says it wants to 'protect citizens' freedom of religious belief'

By Bob Unruh January 2, 2022

 

China long has tried to control its citizens' religious thoughts. Mandatory registration for churches, pastors who must deliver government talking points, the suppression of any dissent, and more has been standard procedure for years.  But now it's getting much worse. Bitter Winter, an online magazine that focuses on religious faith in China, explains the repressive Chinese Communist Party running the nation has now adopted new Administrative Measures for Internet Religious Information Services.  The new procedures were adopted by the state Administration of Religious Affairs, the National Internet Information Office, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and others, including two ministries that address "security."

"The measures require an 'Internet Religious Information Service License,' which can only be granted to organizations part of the five authorized religions (since they should be 'legally established,' which is only possible within the five government-controlled organization), to disseminate religious content via the internet. Any other reference to religion on the web is declared illegal," the publication explained.

"Even the organizations within the five authorized religions are subject to surveillance and limitations. They can broadcast sermons and lessons, but these would be checked by the authorities for their 'Sinicized' content, making sure they promote socialist values and support the party, and are not intended as proselytization tools.............To Read More...