The Chinese Communist Party announced this week new restrictions on religious practice by foreigners in mainland China, which are set to come into force May 1.
The rules, issued by the party’s National Religious Affairs Administration, ban foreign nationals from common worship with Chinese citizens, and require all visitors to affirm the national independence of Chinese Churches and faith communities.
The restrictions, which also ban any form of religious practice by visitors in unofficial locations, mark an escalation in Chinese control of religion on the mainland, and come six months after the extension of the Vatican’s controversial agreement with the Chinese government.
