China stifles religious liberty / Envato Market

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Christmas Eve passed with little public observance across much of China this year as authorities under the Chinese Communist Party intensified restrictions on religious gatherings, public celebrations, and even seasonal decorations, according to pastors, Christians, and residents who spoke to The Epoch Times.

Christians affiliated with underground house churches in provinces including Shandong, Zhejiang, Sichuan, and Fujian said state security officials blocked Christmas Eve services, warning believers against collective worship. In cities such as Qingdao and Wenzhou, pastors reported that only regime-approved churches were permitted to hold limited services, while home gatherings were prohibited.

Universities also moved to suppress Christmas observances. Schools in Shandong, Shaanxi, and Zhejiang reportedly warned students against posting Christmas-related content on social media, required roll calls during the holiday, and ordered the removal of festive profile images, citing monitoring and disciplinary measures.

In Shanghai, police detained individuals involved in spontaneous Christmas street activities, including a woman dressed as Santa Claus handing out apples. Social media footage showed holiday items confiscated and participants questioned, while residents said commercial decorations were confined to tightly controlled areas.

Christians across the country said the restrictions reflect broader CCP policies requiring religious activity to remain within approved venues and discouraging public expressions of Christian faith. Many believers described a near-total disappearance of Christmas atmosphere outside state-sanctioned churches, underscoring ongoing pressure on China’s underground Christian community.

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