INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Recently, Chinese police stormed a Catholic church in Wenzhou, forcibly stopping Father Jin Mengxiu from conducting Sunday Mass.This event
The raid arose from a complex situation in the local Catholic community.Months before, Father Ma Xianshi announced a controversial plan to
The state-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA) backed this unauthorized decision, causing confusion among
believers.Father Jin tried to hold Mass in a church no longer used for pastoral care
He believed only a bishop could change parish boundaries, as church law states
(Photo Internet reproduction)Consequently, local authorities have repeatedly arrested and detained him
Authorities detained Bishop Shao again in January 2024 after he opposed unauthorized diocese changes.His whereabouts remain unknown to his
Officials often make him disappear during major holidays, preventing him from leading services
FaithChristian persecution has reached its worst level in 40 years
align religious practices with Communist Party ideology
This has led to demolished religious symbols and interrupted services
Millions of Christian children have been forced to sign forms renouncing their faith.Digital surveillance plays a key role in the
Face recognition cameras monitor church congregations
Authorities often arrest church leaders on charges of fraud or illegal religious activity
In 2023, authorities closed at least 10,000 churches in China
commitment to his congregation
He argues his actions prevent the community from losing spiritual support and maintain social harmony.This situation draws attention from
human rights advocates and religious leaders worldwide
The Wenzhou struggle represents the larger conflict between religious freedom and government control in China.
