By Christian Dispatch Staff
July 14, 2025
Amid deepening economic uncertainty and social unrest, the Chinese Communist Party has launched a renewed crackdown on Christianity, targeting both registered churches and underground house fellowships.
Churches across the country are now required to install facial recognition cameras—even at the pulpit—to monitor worshippers. Hymns must align with Communist ideology, and congregants are forced to sing the national anthem praising party heroes before worship begins.
House church pastors are being arrested and charged with “business fraud” for collecting tithes and offerings. Authorities have labeled such financial contributions as “foreign religious activities,” particularly targeting unregistered congregations. The crackdown reflects Beijing’s growing unease with a faith movement that continues to expand despite intense state control.
“Every corner of the church, including the pulpit, must have face recognition cameras,” said Bob Fu, president of China Aid. “Even offering boxes are now criminalized.”
The repression escalated on May 1, when China implemented new restrictions banning foreign missionaries and volunteers, many of whom had previously served as teachers, doctors, and aid workers under alternate visas.
“I know nearly every foreign Christian missionary in China—whether they served under the guise of business, education, or humanitarian work—and now they’ve all been forced out,” Fu added.
Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, emphasized that persecution is only fueling the growth of the underground church.
“Masses are fed up. There are huge protests for democracy. But what they truly need is faith,” King said. “The government doesn’t understand that the more you press down on Christians, the more the church spreads.”
Despite Xi Jinping’s campaign of religious suppression, the Christian faith continues to grow. Early Rain Covenant Church, whose pastor Wang Yi is serving a nine-year sentence, has planted two new churches during this season of persecution. Many other house churches report similar revival.
As China’s authoritarian regime attempts to control spiritual life, millions of Chinese believers remain resilient—choosing faith over fear.
This article was summarized by Christian Dispatch based on original reporting by Gary Lane for CBN News, published on July 14, 2025. Read the full article at CBN.com.