Church in the World

Documents expose Chinese repression

Americas

A US congressional subcommittee on international operations and human rights has seen Chinese government documents that show there has been an official crackdown on religious groups, including the Catholic Church.

The documents showed that China?s government ?aims to repress religious expression outside its control?, said Paul Marshall, director of the Centre for Religious Freedom. Marshall told committee members that the Chinese documents revealed an attempt by Chinese authorities to ?crush unregistered churches and religious groups?. He added ?The documents indicate that Beijing may feel it is losing its battle to control religious expression.?

The documents detail ways in which Chinese authorities collect information against religious groups, including the use of secret agents to infiltrate the groups. Church property and private homes used to host religious services and meetings are often confiscated or demolished, Marshall said. President Bush, who was to make his first state visit to China on 21-22 February, ?should speak out forcefully and publicly in support of religious freedom? in China, Marshall urged.