Crackdown on the activities of Christians in People’s Republic of China has taken a new dimension as the country has outlawed online sale of Holy Bible.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that this contradicts the position of Chinese government claiming in an earlier document to have allowed freedom of worship.
Although China regulates the printing and distribution of Bible by allowing only state-sanctioned churches to do so, it had been available to buy online.
It is reported that searches for the Bible on e-commerce sites JD.com and Amazon.cn are not available.
The disappearance of Bible on Internet retailers is the latest embargo the country had placed on its fast-growing Christian population.
It is gathered that Christians who worship at home are said to be detained, crosses are removed from churches, while some other churches are being demolished.
The paper listing official Communist Party policies stated that all faiths must “adapt themselves to the socialist society.”
“Religious believers and non-believers respect each other, and live in harmony, committing themselves to reform and opening up and the socialist modernization, and contribute to the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.”
Chinese Catholic bishops and the Vatican have not good relations for decades because Chinese Catholic bishops are not appointed by the Pope. However, both sides have shown some progress in reconciliation in recent weeks.
Nee said: “The Vatican should probably take this issue into consideration in its discussions with their Chinese counterpart since the ban on the sale of Bible is obviously a worrying move and demonstrates the worsening state for freedom of religion in China.
“There is a broader trend under President Xi Jinping to more tightly control religion, especially Christianity.
“It’s absurd that the government claims to promote religious freedom at the same time that they’re banning the sale of Bible.”
Straightnews had reported on its edition of March 23 that Chinese authorities in Shangqiu, Central Henan province have forbidden Christian gatherings and placed them under house arrest.
