A newly-implemented directive from the Chinese Government in June forces Protestant ‘house churches’ and Catholic ‘underground’ communities to seek ‘guidance’ from recognised religious organisations.
A notification from the State Administration for Religious Affairs requires organisers of religious activities at temporary sites to also apply for a permit that is valid for three years.
Cause of fear
According to Professor Ying Fuk-tsang, director of the Divinity School at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, these recognised religious organisations include the China Christian Council and the national committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, which are known in China as the lianghui (two organisations).
