Pre-Registering for State-Approved Religious Services (07.13.23)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re talking about the Chinese Communist Party testing a new app that requires citizens to pre-register in order to attend a religious service. This would enable them to limit the number of people who can assemble at a given time. Of course, this also fits in with their current practice of limiting the number of state-approved churches that citizens may legally attend. There are a few points I want us to consider about this today.

STORY – Christian Persecution Intensifies in China with Mandatory Worship App

“In a troubling development, it has been alleged that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is testing a new app that demands citizens pre-register before attending religious services, further restricting religious freedom.

“The Voice of the Martyrs, a persecution watchdog, revealed the CCP has rolled out an app in Henan province, requiring individuals to seek approval through the app in order to attend any kind of religious gathering. Todd Nettleton, Chief of Media Relations for The Voice of the Martyrs, explained that citizens must provide personal information, including their identity, address and ID details, to the Chinese government through the app.

“The approval process is limited to churches registered with the CCP, leaving house churches and unsanctioned gatherings with no opportunity to obtain permission.

“Authorities can now easily check for compliance by asking attendees to present their phones and open the app during church services. The app, known as ‘Smart Religion,’ has been developed by the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Commission of Henan Province and applies not only to Christian churches but also to mosques, Buddhist temples and other religious spaces, as reported by CBN News in March.

“This app-based regulation raises serious concerns about privacy and personal freedom. With the ability to track individuals and capture their information, the CCP gains further control over citizens’ lives.

“Nettleton warns that the app could potentially expand throughout China, as seen during the COVID pandemic when a similar app-based control was implemented for public transit and certain buildings.” (Charisma News)