A recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) alleges that Chinese authorities are removing Christian symbols from churches and installing portraits of Communist leaders.

“Authorities have ordered the removal of crosses from churches [and] replaced images of Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary with pictures of President Xi,” the report states.

According to the USCIRF, these actions are part of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) “sinicization” policy, which aims to align religious practices with CCP ideology. The policy “entrenches the CCP’s control into every aspect of religious life,” affecting not only Catholics but also Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists and Taoists.

The report explains that clergy are being instructed to preach CCP ideology, and churches are required to display party slogans. Religious texts are also being censored, and CCP-approved materials are imposed. Anyone practicing religion outside of the state-approved associations is considered part of a ‘cult’ and subject to anti-cult provisions, the USCIRF notes.

These measures have led to increased surveillance and interference in religious activities, especially since 2018, and the Chinese government “continues to forcibly disappear underground Catholic leaders.”

The report concludes that the CCP’s efforts “extend beyond Christianity,” impacting a wide range of communities within the country.

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