Beijing House Churches Forced to Pledge Not to Meet During the Olympics
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By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
BEIJING, CHINA (ANS) — Chinese House Church Pastors were forced to sign a written agreement that they would not participate in religious services while the Olympic Games are taking place in China.
According to China Aid Association, (CAA), the document, drafted by Chinese government officials, specifies that the House Churches in China:”…refrain from organizing and joining illegal gatherings and refrain from receiving donations, sermons and preaching from overseas religious organizations and groups that have a purpose.”
CAA also says the document also prohibits the churches from gathering in their communities for more than 3 months while the Olympics are taking place. Should church members violate these rules they will be subject to the disciplinary actions of the Chinese Government.
In a media advisory, China Aid says: “The discovery of this document provides further evidence of the PRC’s hypocrisy towards creating a ‘harmonious society’ marked by religious freedom and rule of law.
“The fact the document was issued while the world’s focus is on China, is a blatant challenge to the International community and an apathetic stance toward seeking to correct human rights violations even as world leaders are directly confronting the Government at the Beijing Olympics.
“If China is seeking to put on the mantle of a world superpower, it must first acknowledge the unalienable rights of its own people. CAA calls on the international community and those concerned to voice their complaint to the relevant Chinese Government authorities.”
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