In more state repression of religion, the government in China’s Zhejiang province is confiscating the tithes and offerings that churches receive.
From Christianity Daily: China Implements Law Compelling Churches to Hand Over Tithes and Donations to Authorities, According to China Aid Report – China Aid:
The Chinese state government in Zhejiang province has implemented a new law for some of the churches to hand over all their income and donations to the authorities, the China Aid reported.
The law was enforced in Pingyang County, Wenzhou, where the members have to give all the tithes and donations to authorities.
“The government officials will interfere with church affairs, managing our donations and some large-scale projects. We have to obtain their (the government’s) permission if we would like to buy equipment or decorate the church. We will have to ask for permission for any expenses more than a few thousand yuan,” a source told China Aid.
State officials in Zhejiang province have demolished over 2,000 church crosses since 2014 when a “beautification” campaign known as “Three Rectifications and One Demolition” was launched. Authorities have cited illegal construction as the reason for the demolition of churches and crosses.
In April, a church was demolished in Zhejiang, on claims that the church’s cross was “too high” atop the building.
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