CHINA BANS SALE OF BIBLES
CHINA
BANS SALE OF BIBLES
Bibles can no longer be purchased online in China despite the
government publishing a new document claiming that it allows freedom of
worship.
The disappearance of Bibles on internet retailers is the latest
restriction the country had placed on its fast-growing Christian population.
Religious freedom campaigners have said freedom for Christians in
China has been the worst it’s ever been.
The crackdown on Christians in China has meant that crosses have
been removed from churches, churches have been demolished, and Christians
suspected of worshiping at home have been detained.
A new Chinese government white paper on religious freedoms
published this week asserted that all faiths must “adapt themselves to the
socialist society”.
The paper listing official Communist Party policies added:
“Religious believers and non-believers respect each other, and live in harmony,
committing themselves to reform and opening up and the socialist modernization,
and contribute to the realization of the Chinese Dream of national
rejuvenation.”
William Nee, China researcher at Amnesty International, said the
Vatican should address the online Bible sale ban with Beijing.
Chinese Catholic bishops and the Vatican have not good relations
for decades because Chinese Catholic bishops are not appointed by the Pope.
However, both sides have shown some progress in reconciliation in recent weeks.
Nee said, “The Vatican should probably take this issue into
consideration in its discussions with their Chinese counterparts, since the
banning of the sale of Bibles is obviously a worrying move, demonstrating the
worsening state for freedom of religion in China.
“There is a broader trend under President Xi Jinping to more
tightly control religion, especially Christianity.
“It’s absurd that the government claims to promote religious
freedom at the same time that they’re banning the sale of Bibles.”