CHINA-INTERNAL: RELIGION CHRISTIANITY
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An open-church priest who serves in Luoyang Diocese of Sanmenxia City, Henan province claims that local officials visited his church on July 1 and handed him a circular titled "Special Office Emergency Notice", ordering clergy to follow the instructions laid out therein. The notice from municipal authorities requests churches in the province to gather statistics on the backgrounds of their congregations, especially those from poor families. The priest says he is refusing to cooperate out of fear that anyone named in the register could be barred from receiving state subsidies as punishment for practicing their faith. The notice contained five points: (i) that the number and backgrounds of worshippers of all faiths be documented and reported to authorities by 6pm on July 4 and religious leaders must inform local officials of any minors who enter religious venues, and of any cases where neon lights or speakers have been installed in places of worship; (ii) Lists of clergy must be hung up at parishes so that officials can confirm they have the necessary permits to preach from the pulpit; (iii) the Chinese flag must be on permanent display at religious venues and the national anthem sung at each service; (iv) prelates must be updated on newly revised regulations pertaining to religious affairs; and (v) statistics must be provided to improve town and village archives. The notice also stipulated that personnel from the special project office will make unannounced visits to churches in the province as and when they deem fit to ensure they are complying with the new rules and that investigations will be carried out to ensure all districts are cooperating. The priest said religious venues were being heavily scrutinized and those without permits shuttered. Even those with the right credentials have been warned that they will be punished if they admit minors or Party members.
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