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.
