The Chinese government administration has introduced new measures to further restrict the activities of faith groups.
A new mandate entitled “Administrative Measures for Religious Groups” has been approved by the CPC and is comprised of six chapters and 41 articles dealing with the organization, functions, offices, supervision, projects and economic administration of religious communities.
The new rules also seek to ensure that religious leaders support, promote and implement total submission to the Chinese Communist Party at all times.
According to International Christian Concern, Article 5 of the new ordinance reads that “religious organizations must adhere to the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, observe the constitution, laws, regulations, ordinances and policies, adhere to the principle of independence and self-government, adhere to the directives on religions in China, implementing the values of socialism …”
In addition, Article 17 specifies that all religious organizations “must spread the principles and policies of the Chinese Communist Party” in everything they do.
Religious groups must also engage in “supporting the socialist system, adhering to and following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics …,” according to the restrictions.
The signing of the new laws coincides with the sentencing of notorious megachurch pastor, Wang Yi. On Monday, it was announced that the lead pastor of Early Rain Covenant Church has been given nine years in prison for “subversion of state power” and “illegally operating a business.”
In reality, all Wang Yi was locked up for simply preaching the gospel and challenging the Chinese government.
Last September, shortly before he was detained, Pastor Yi personally called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to repent of his sins and come to Jesus.
“We believe that we have the responsibility to tell Xi Jinping that he is a sinner,” he said at the time. “The government he is leading has sinned greatly against God, for it is persecution the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, and if he does not repent, he will perish!”