Sunday, July 28, 2019
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Franklin Graham warns of serious 'nightmare' for U.S.
'Nation may never recover' if it becomes law
By Bob Unruh
Billy Graham Evangelical Association CEO Franklin Graham says that if Congress adopts the Democrats’ Equality Act, which would nullify constitutional protections for religious rights, the “nation may never recover.”
H.R. 5 which already has passed the House of Representatives, would cancel civil rights protection for women, eliminate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and codify the LGBT agenda.
It previously was condemned by Graham and other Christian leaders.
In the July-August issue of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s “Decision” magazine, Graham points out it’s not likely that the Republican majority in the Senate will go along, but “if the Senate majority changes or if enough Republican senators change their position, it would be up to the president to veto the bill.”
“And if that office were to change hands in 2020, I have little doubt this would become the law of the land,” he warned.
He said there would be “catastrophic consequences.”
Christian organizations “would lose all protections to hire people who adhere to their biblical statements of faith. Christians will be persecuted for their sincerely held beliefs as never before. The clear teachings of the Bible on the sins of homosexuality and abortion will no doubt be considered ‘hate speech.’ It will be a nightmare from which this nation may never recover,” he warned.
In a separate article, “The Equality Act: A Clear and Present Danger,” the organization’s Jerry Pierce explains the law would force the closure of faith-based adoption agencies and women’s shelters.
And those who fail to use transgender pronouns could be fined.
School field trips? Dorm room assignments? All would be ruled by “the new sexual orthodoxy.”
Then religious groups, including churches, would be under the thumb of the “newly framed Civil Rights Act,” he wrote.
“The law would make no exemptions for religious institutions and explicitly invalidates the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”
Parents no longer would be allowed to choose medical treatment for their children and “the law would also strip parents of their right to raise and educate their own children if their beliefs contradict government mandates.”
Men who say they are women would have access to women’s locker rooms, homeless shelters, hospital rooms, elder care facilities and more. And bakers, florists, photographers, videographers and others who believe in traditional marriage would be forced to violate their beliefs or be run out of business.
“Tolerance is no longer enough,” Pierce wrote. “What Obergefell [the case creating same-sex marriage} didn’t accomplish, the misnamed Equality Act of 2019 attempts to complete with the full crushing force of the federal government behind it.”
He quoted Kelly Shackelford of First Liberty, who said, “The Equality Act attempts to make sure that in all cases LGBT rights trump religious freedom – in every situation. It makes religious freedom a secondary freedom or right.”
Pierce said under the law, people couldn’t “have a different belief and expect to live in peace.”
“They can’t even make the argument for their beliefs, which is why this is so extreme.”
WND reported Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, charged that H.R. 5 would endanger millions of American women, undermine fundamental American rights to faith in both religion and science and put children at risk by medicalizing them in harmful, permanent ways without parental involvement.
“Americans can all agree. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect,” he wrote. “No one should be mistreated by his or her employers, coworkers or anyone else. However, when lawmakers propose amendments to federal law, we must avoid doing more harm than good,.
“We must not pass legislation that harms children, sets back the rights women have fought so hard to attain or erases the gains made possible by other federal civil rights laws, such as Title IX. H.R. 5 does all of these things. This bill would do much more harm than good, and women and children would bear the brunt of the damage.”
WND reported 21 Christian leaders wrote to Republican and Democratic leadership in the House and Senate declaring their “adamant” opposition to the “poorly named Equality Act.”
“We the undersigned cannot remain silent concerning a dangerous bill pending in Congress known as the Equality Act (H.R. 5). Not only is it incompatible with God’s Word (the Bible) and the historic teaching of the church, but the Equality Act is also riddled with threats to religious liberty and the sanctity of human life,” they wrote.
Signatories included Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, former Rep. Michele Bachmann, Paul Blair of Reclaiming America for Christ, Stephen Broden of Fair Park Bible Fellowship, Times Square Church Pastor Carter Conlon, James Dobson of the James Dobson Family Institute, Jim Garlow of Well Versed, Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse, Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist in Texas, Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Harry Jackson Jr. of International Communion of Evangelical Churches and Robert Jeffress of First Baptist in Dallas.
Others were Guillermo Maldonado of King Jesus International Ministry, author and radio host Eric Metaxas, Robert Morris of Gateway Church, Ramiro Pena of Christ the King in Waco, Everett Piper of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Ralph Reed of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, James Robison of LIFE Outreach, Todd Wanger of Watermark Community Church and Tim Wildmon of American Family Association.
Collectively, they are considered leaders for tens of millions of Americans.
“First, the ideology enshrined in the Equality Act – which falsely equates one’s sexual conduct with immutable characteristics like skin color and ethnicity – is a falsehood that openly contradicts the scriptural mandates we were given for our good (1 Thess. 4:3-8),” the letter explains. “We cannot remain silent and allow this lie to harm countless men, women, and children – whether in this or any other legislation. … No family would be safe from the long reach of the Equality Act.”
Also, the leaders contended, the Democratic proposal would “gut” religious freedom protections in the U.S.
The Alliance Defending Freedom previously condemned the plan.
“Essentially, the ‘Equality Act’ gives people of faith an ultimatum: Change your faith-based practices or face government punishment,” wrote the ADF’s Sarah Kramer in a post about the proposal.
Washington watchdog Judicial Watch also warned it would remove access to all single-sex “public multi-stall bathrooms, domestic violence or rape crisis shelters, drug rehabilitation centers, jails, juvenile detention facilities, homeless shelters, locker rooms or group showers.”
And Family Talk founder James Dobson warned, “Make no mistake – the so-called Equality Act is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to finish off religious liberty in America once and for all, which ought to be plainly obvious based upon a cursory reading of the First Amendment.”
Their worst concerns have been confirmed by the left. Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said, during congressional debate that religious rights protected by the First Amendment never should be used as a defense in a conflict with LGBT demands.
Liberty Counsel said the bill “literally sets the stage for setting up the Bible as prohibited material where it addresses homosexuality.”
Saturday, July 13, 2019
‘God grant the right of worshipping,’ Guizhou Church stands firm against harassment by authorities
Thursday, July 11, 2019
ChinaAid
(Guizhou—July 11, 2019) On Sunday, June 30, authorities in Guizhou province broke into Zion Reform Evangelical Church during worship. Officials reportedly subjected congregants to inquiry and confiscated some church possessions.
When asked to sign official documents, church leader Zhu Jieheng wrote down “God grants the right to worship” to demonstrate the church was not subject to the mindsets and activities of the authorities.
According to reports, Zhu received a notice of rectification and reform from the Kaili Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau. Officials say the organization of religious events at the church violates regulations.
ChinaAid
(Guizhou—July 11, 2019) On Sunday, June 30, authorities in Guizhou province broke into Zion Reform Evangelical Church during worship. Officials reportedly subjected congregants to inquiry and confiscated some church possessions.
When asked to sign official documents, church leader Zhu Jieheng wrote down “God grants the right to worship” to demonstrate the church was not subject to the mindsets and activities of the authorities.
According to reports, Zhu received a notice of rectification and reform from the Kaili Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau. Officials say the organization of religious events at the church violates regulations.
As ChinaAid has reported, authorities across China often operate to shut down churches. Reports say officials in Sichuan might force Baihua Church, a campus of Chengdu’s Early Rain Covenant Church, to close down after an investigation.
A Henan Christian named Mr. Huang says officers are often pressured by their bosses to visit churches on Sunday if they do not have the day off.
Information from an anonymous pastor details strict religious policies from the government that are even impacting churches associated with the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, China’s state-run, technically legal church network.
Such churches are being subjected to constant surveillance, with officials even installing facial recognition cameras. In addition, many of them must sing nationalistic songs as a part of their worship services, and individuals affiliated with the Chinese government will preach propaganda from the pulpit alongside the pastor’s sermon.
These congregations are often viewed by non-government churches as an instrument for the secular government, due to this continued politicization of the religious field.
According to the pastor, fewer people are speaking out against persecution as a whole because anyone who does so will face trouble. Instead, “many people hide themselves and exist peacefully.”
ChinaAid exposes abuses in order to stand in solidarity with the persecuted and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law. If you wish to partner with us in helping those persecuted by the Chinese government
Thursday, July 11, 2019
David Barton: Only 2.8% of American Pastors Are Willing to Preach These Biblical Truths
STEPHEN STRANG | CHARISMA
History is not taught in schools as it once was. And when schools do teach history, it's often with a very secular spin. But David Barton, a well-respected Christian historian, has deep insight into the United States' Christian founding that every American needs to know. He says only 2.8% of American pastors are willing to preach biblical truth on political topics, and if God's people won't step up, the trend will only get worse.
I recently interviewed Barton on my "Strang Report" podcast, where he exposes the truth behind America's uniquely Christian founding—and why that matters for us today. Bible-believing colonists once devoted this nation to scriptural principles, but now, many American Christians don't even believe the Bible is true. Click here to listen to that episode, or click on the podcast icon in this article.
"When you look at where we are now, my question is not 'Where has God gone?' But it's 'Where are His people?'" Barton tells me. "I say that for several different reasons. I work closely with George Barna. We just put three massive polls in the field on Christian values and beliefs, and we know that ... 72% of churches and senior pastors do not agree with the Bible and do not agree with its teachings."
The Barna Group conducted that survey among 384,000 churches and senior pastors. That leaves 28% who actually believe the Bible is true and agree with its teachings. Among those 28%, Barton says, 97% say the Bible speaks directly to hot-button political topics today. But those same people said they refused to preach about those issues because they were political.
"That puts us at 2.8% of pastors addressing what the Bible addresses if it's also in the news," Barton says. "Now that's a problem. We also have a problem when only 14% of Christians read the Bible every day. ... And only 9% of Christians have a biblical worldview. ... So we're looking at a nation that doesn't think biblically."
This modern trend of unbiblical thinking stands in stark contrast to the common mindset during our nation's founding, Barton says.
"When you look at the founding of America on the side that was the really biblical side, they were very covenantal as a people, and they believed in covenants," he says. "As John Winthrop said, 'If you deal treacherously with God in this endeavor, you'll bring judgment.' ... And they viewed their contracts as covenants. As a matter of fact, that's why the longest-lasting treaty back in history was between Pilgrims and the Wampanaugs. And it wasn't the Pilgrims who broke the treaty; it was the Wampanaugs who broke it."
In this way, Barton explains, the Bible-minded colonists of early America acted like Israel. Israel had a covenant with God that could not change. That's how these early colonial Americans viewed their national covenant with God.
But not all colonists had this biblical view. The covenant-minded colonists only represented one camp of the British settlers. The Spanish, the French, the Dutch and the rest of the British all had different approaches to their faith. As a result, those nations often promoted or allowed slavery and broke their treaties with Native Americans. Even the Dutch, who were gentler than the harsh Spaniards, had no problem making money by transporting slaves.
"They weren't really Bible-believing; they were Bible-professing and Christian-professing," Barton says. "The way that the Jamestown colonists treated the Native Americans is pretty poor. But then you get to the Reformation Christians, the back-to-the-Bible Christians and the Puritans and the Pilgrims and the Huguenots and others, and you find that the Plymouth Plantation colony is completely different."
Barton says these Reformation Christians wouldn't take a foot of ground unless they had bought it and had a title deed from the Native Americans. Their covenantal view affected their way of living so much that when they found corn buried during that first harsh winter, they refused to eat it until they had found the owner and paid him for the corn.
"So they respected biblical rights of property, of life, of freedom," he says. "When you're in the U.S. Capitol, you see the embarkation of the Pilgrims. They're all gathered around the Bible. The reason is that the Geneva Bible drove their lives. They spent hours a day literally studying the Bible."
Yet now, Barton says, most Christians in America don't hold that same reverence for the Word of God. The result of that disdain for the Bible is that secular America has grown more ungodly.
"We're now in a place described three times in the Bible where everyone did what was right in their own eyes," he says. "[They say,] 'I can choose my identity if I want.' ... So we now have 92 legally recognized identities in America. ... So I would say that it's not 'Where's God?' It's 'Where's God's people and why have they stopped studying His Word and why do they no longer believe what He said?' That's where America is right now. That's where the crossroads is."
If you agree with Barton, I encourage you to speak up for what you know is right. Don't be afraid to take God at His Word and love the Bible the way early God-fearing American colonists did. The more God's people boldly embrace His truth, the more we can make a difference.
History is not taught in schools as it once was. And when schools do teach history, it's often with a very secular spin. But David Barton, a well-respected Christian historian, has deep insight into the United States' Christian founding that every American needs to know. He says only 2.8% of American pastors are willing to preach biblical truth on political topics, and if God's people won't step up, the trend will only get worse.
I recently interviewed Barton on my "Strang Report" podcast, where he exposes the truth behind America's uniquely Christian founding—and why that matters for us today. Bible-believing colonists once devoted this nation to scriptural principles, but now, many American Christians don't even believe the Bible is true. Click here to listen to that episode, or click on the podcast icon in this article.
"When you look at where we are now, my question is not 'Where has God gone?' But it's 'Where are His people?'" Barton tells me. "I say that for several different reasons. I work closely with George Barna. We just put three massive polls in the field on Christian values and beliefs, and we know that ... 72% of churches and senior pastors do not agree with the Bible and do not agree with its teachings."
The Barna Group conducted that survey among 384,000 churches and senior pastors. That leaves 28% who actually believe the Bible is true and agree with its teachings. Among those 28%, Barton says, 97% say the Bible speaks directly to hot-button political topics today. But those same people said they refused to preach about those issues because they were political.
"That puts us at 2.8% of pastors addressing what the Bible addresses if it's also in the news," Barton says. "Now that's a problem. We also have a problem when only 14% of Christians read the Bible every day. ... And only 9% of Christians have a biblical worldview. ... So we're looking at a nation that doesn't think biblically."
This modern trend of unbiblical thinking stands in stark contrast to the common mindset during our nation's founding, Barton says.
"When you look at the founding of America on the side that was the really biblical side, they were very covenantal as a people, and they believed in covenants," he says. "As John Winthrop said, 'If you deal treacherously with God in this endeavor, you'll bring judgment.' ... And they viewed their contracts as covenants. As a matter of fact, that's why the longest-lasting treaty back in history was between Pilgrims and the Wampanaugs. And it wasn't the Pilgrims who broke the treaty; it was the Wampanaugs who broke it."
In this way, Barton explains, the Bible-minded colonists of early America acted like Israel. Israel had a covenant with God that could not change. That's how these early colonial Americans viewed their national covenant with God.
But not all colonists had this biblical view. The covenant-minded colonists only represented one camp of the British settlers. The Spanish, the French, the Dutch and the rest of the British all had different approaches to their faith. As a result, those nations often promoted or allowed slavery and broke their treaties with Native Americans. Even the Dutch, who were gentler than the harsh Spaniards, had no problem making money by transporting slaves.
"They weren't really Bible-believing; they were Bible-professing and Christian-professing," Barton says. "The way that the Jamestown colonists treated the Native Americans is pretty poor. But then you get to the Reformation Christians, the back-to-the-Bible Christians and the Puritans and the Pilgrims and the Huguenots and others, and you find that the Plymouth Plantation colony is completely different."
Barton says these Reformation Christians wouldn't take a foot of ground unless they had bought it and had a title deed from the Native Americans. Their covenantal view affected their way of living so much that when they found corn buried during that first harsh winter, they refused to eat it until they had found the owner and paid him for the corn.
"So they respected biblical rights of property, of life, of freedom," he says. "When you're in the U.S. Capitol, you see the embarkation of the Pilgrims. They're all gathered around the Bible. The reason is that the Geneva Bible drove their lives. They spent hours a day literally studying the Bible."
Yet now, Barton says, most Christians in America don't hold that same reverence for the Word of God. The result of that disdain for the Bible is that secular America has grown more ungodly.
"We're now in a place described three times in the Bible where everyone did what was right in their own eyes," he says. "[They say,] 'I can choose my identity if I want.' ... So we now have 92 legally recognized identities in America. ... So I would say that it's not 'Where's God?' It's 'Where's God's people and why have they stopped studying His Word and why do they no longer believe what He said?' That's where America is right now. That's where the crossroads is."
If you agree with Barton, I encourage you to speak up for what you know is right. Don't be afraid to take God at His Word and love the Bible the way early God-fearing American colonists did. The more God's people boldly embrace His truth, the more we can make a difference.
Wisconsin Company Continues to Microchip Employees, Expands Technology
Josh Rosenthal
August 24, 2018 06:04 PM
Last year, KSTP reported on a Wisconsin company that microchipped its employees
A year later, the Three Square Market is still at it, and it's using the technology for a whole lot more.
"We've been in touch with NASCAR, with baseball stadiums," Three Square Market President Todd Westby said Friday. "We've gotten in doors that we would have never gotten in before."
Previously, Westby demonstrated how the microchips are being used to buy snacks, open doors and log onto computers. However, the company is now expanding its use of the technology.
"I scanned my hand and here's my driver's license information," Westby said, holding up his phone.
Westby added the company is using the chips less but is continuing to explore the use of the technology.
"The microchip is a big talking point, but it's not practical right now," Westby said. "What is practical is RFID bracelets."
Because of this, Three Square Market is branching out. The company has developed a system where people on probation can wear a wristband instead of an ankle bracelet. The company has also created a system that is being used in an Indian hospital that proves doctors have washed their hands.
While the company is branching out its technology, it continues to microchip employees.
On Friday afternoon, developer David Vazquez had a microchip implanted.
He plans to use it to log onto his computer, shop, open doors and whatever else the future may bring.
"Part of the gang now," he said. "I'm excited."
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
3 million evangelicals march in Brazil: 'Our country belongs to Jesus'
By Caleb Parke | Fox News
CHRISTIANITY
Published June 28
People take part in the 27th edition of March for Jesus, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 20, 2019. "March For Jesus" is the largest evangelical event in Brazil. (Photo by Fabio Vieira/FotoRua/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Millions marched in the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil last week as part of one of the largest Christian gatherings in the world.
The March for Jesus in Brazil organizers report there were three million attendees with more than 10 hours of praise and worship, led by 28 Brazillian gospel bands and singers, and dozens of evangelical pastors and leaders, Evangelical Focus reported.
The president of the March for Jesus in Brazil, Estevam Hernandes, gave the opening prayer for the event that saw its largest turnout since it began in 1993.
“We cry out for Brazil, for the families, for the end of corruption, for the afflicted hearts, our country belongs to Jesus Christ," Hernandes said. "To Him all honor, glory, power, and majesty. As it says in Psalms 33: Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
And for the first time, Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro, who has been called the "Trump of the Tropics," participated in the march, something he did last year as a candidate and promised to return after winning the election.
“You were decisive in helping change the destiny of Brazil," Bolsonaro told the millions who attended during a seven-minute speech. "It is very good to be among friends. And even better when they are friends with God in their hearts."
Bolsonaro pointed out that his country is "secular but its current leader is Christian," adding he hopes to overcome the "ethical and moral" problems in Brazil with the help of his Christian brothers and sisters.
The Brazilian leader, much like Trump, has not shied away from controversy and has been largely supported by evangelicals, a population that has spiked in Brazil, around 30 percent of the population of about 190 million people.
Although Bolsonaro is Catholic himself, his wife and children identify as evangelical.
CHRISTIANITY
Published June 28
People take part in the 27th edition of March for Jesus, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 20, 2019. "March For Jesus" is the largest evangelical event in Brazil. (Photo by Fabio Vieira/FotoRua/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Millions marched in the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil last week as part of one of the largest Christian gatherings in the world.
The March for Jesus in Brazil organizers report there were three million attendees with more than 10 hours of praise and worship, led by 28 Brazillian gospel bands and singers, and dozens of evangelical pastors and leaders, Evangelical Focus reported.
The president of the March for Jesus in Brazil, Estevam Hernandes, gave the opening prayer for the event that saw its largest turnout since it began in 1993.
“We cry out for Brazil, for the families, for the end of corruption, for the afflicted hearts, our country belongs to Jesus Christ," Hernandes said. "To Him all honor, glory, power, and majesty. As it says in Psalms 33: Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
And for the first time, Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro, who has been called the "Trump of the Tropics," participated in the march, something he did last year as a candidate and promised to return after winning the election.
“You were decisive in helping change the destiny of Brazil," Bolsonaro told the millions who attended during a seven-minute speech. "It is very good to be among friends. And even better when they are friends with God in their hearts."
Bolsonaro pointed out that his country is "secular but its current leader is Christian," adding he hopes to overcome the "ethical and moral" problems in Brazil with the help of his Christian brothers and sisters.
The Brazilian leader, much like Trump, has not shied away from controversy and has been largely supported by evangelicals, a population that has spiked in Brazil, around 30 percent of the population of about 190 million people.
Although Bolsonaro is Catholic himself, his wife and children identify as evangelical.
Chinese Christians flee China amid crackdown on church: ‘No longer safe for us’
By Caleb Parke | Fox News
As China continues its crackdown on religion, Christians in the Communist country are fleeing for their lives.
China’s ruling Communist Party has carried out a widespread crackdown on all religious institutions in recent years, including bulldozing churches and mosques, barring Tibetan children from Buddhist religious studies and incarcerating more than a million members of Islamic ethnic minorities in what are termed “re-education centers.” President Xi Jinping , who is also party leader, has ordered that all religions must “Sinicize” to ensure they are loyal to the officially atheistic party or face the wrath of the Communist regime.
CHINESE CHRISTIANS JAILED FOR FAITH MEMORIZE BIBLE BECAUSE GUARDS ‘CAN’T TAKE WHAT’S HIDDEN IN YOUR HEART’
Liao Qiang, who fled from Early Rain Covenant Church after it was raided and targeted by the government for its opposition to Xi and the party, is now in Taipei, Taiwan, hoping to get asylum in the United States until China reverses the anti-religious surveillance.
More than 100 members of Early Rain were taken into custody from the church or their homes on Dec. 9 and 10, according to Human Rights Watch. Those detained included Wang Yi, the pastor, who made a point of holding a prayer service on June 4 each year to commemorate the 1989 bloody crackdown on democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, which China's government has tried to erase from history. Since then, they have been under constant Orwellian watch under the state.
Ren Ruiting, Liao's 23-year-old daughter, told the Associated Press she had to report her whereabouts to police using social media whenever she left her home and was informed that her safety would not be guaranteed.
“That’s when I knew it was no longer safe for us here, and that my children were most in danger,” Liao said after Sunday’s service, attended by about 30 people, at the small Reformed Presbyterian Xinan Church in Taipei.
China’s government requires that Protestants worship only in churches recognized and regulated by the officially sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement, although many more are part of independent congregations.
Liao refused to sign a statement renouncing his church after police tried to force him to do so.
As China continues its crackdown on religion, Christians in the Communist country are fleeing for their lives.
China’s ruling Communist Party has carried out a widespread crackdown on all religious institutions in recent years, including bulldozing churches and mosques, barring Tibetan children from Buddhist religious studies and incarcerating more than a million members of Islamic ethnic minorities in what are termed “re-education centers.” President Xi Jinping , who is also party leader, has ordered that all religions must “Sinicize” to ensure they are loyal to the officially atheistic party or face the wrath of the Communist regime.
CHINESE CHRISTIANS JAILED FOR FAITH MEMORIZE BIBLE BECAUSE GUARDS ‘CAN’T TAKE WHAT’S HIDDEN IN YOUR HEART’
Liao Qiang, who fled from Early Rain Covenant Church after it was raided and targeted by the government for its opposition to Xi and the party, is now in Taipei, Taiwan, hoping to get asylum in the United States until China reverses the anti-religious surveillance.
More than 100 members of Early Rain were taken into custody from the church or their homes on Dec. 9 and 10, according to Human Rights Watch. Those detained included Wang Yi, the pastor, who made a point of holding a prayer service on June 4 each year to commemorate the 1989 bloody crackdown on democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, which China's government has tried to erase from history. Since then, they have been under constant Orwellian watch under the state.
Ren Ruiting, Liao's 23-year-old daughter, told the Associated Press she had to report her whereabouts to police using social media whenever she left her home and was informed that her safety would not be guaranteed.
“That’s when I knew it was no longer safe for us here, and that my children were most in danger,” Liao said after Sunday’s service, attended by about 30 people, at the small Reformed Presbyterian Xinan Church in Taipei.
China’s government requires that Protestants worship only in churches recognized and regulated by the officially sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement, although many more are part of independent congregations.
Liao refused to sign a statement renouncing his church after police tried to force him to do so.
“If our elders decided to break up the church, then I can accept it,” he said. “But it’s not up to you to say it’s evil or illegal.”
The persecution of Christians in China is nothing new. A report by the watchdog group Freedom House found that Christians and other religious groups in China have been persecuted since 2012, Fox News reported.
A third of all religious believers in China who belong to a faith group were also found to face “high” to “very high” levels of persecution, which ranges from bureaucratic harassment and economic exploitation to harsh prison terms and even violence.
But experts and activists say the Chinese government is now waging the most severe suppression of Christianity in the country since religious freedoms were granted by the Chinese constitution in 1982.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The persecution of Christians in China is nothing new. A report by the watchdog group Freedom House found that Christians and other religious groups in China have been persecuted since 2012, Fox News reported.
A third of all religious believers in China who belong to a faith group were also found to face “high” to “very high” levels of persecution, which ranges from bureaucratic harassment and economic exploitation to harsh prison terms and even violence.
But experts and activists say the Chinese government is now waging the most severe suppression of Christianity in the country since religious freedoms were granted by the Chinese constitution in 1982.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)