Chinese authorities forced a church in Jiangxi province to paint over its name and replace it with a Communist slogan in December.
The church was forced to display: ‘Follow the Party, Obey the Party, and Be Grateful to the Party,’ amid increasing attempts by officials to ‘sinicise’ (make Chinese) Christianity.
The sharp increase in repressive measures raises questions over the future of an alleged secretive pact between Beijing and Roman Catholic Church leaders. The agreement is thought to give both the Church and the Chinese government a say in the appointment of new ministers.
The True and Original Source of the Universe church in Ji’an city was also ordered in late September to remove a painting of a biblical figure from a prominent position and replace it with a portrait of China’s President.
Days later, officials locked the church and confiscated the keys, which is registered under the state-sanctioned Patriotic Association.
Elsewhere in Jiangxi province, elderly members of an unofficial house church were told by the authorities that their pensions would be stopped if they continued to gather for worship. Officials also removed crosses and religious banners and replaced them with portraits of the President and Chairman.
