China Interrupts Christian Funeral Service Banning Prayer
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – Chinese government officials interrupted a Christian memorial service at a funeral home as part of a broader crackdown, Christians told Worthy News.
During the raid in Guiyang City, a religious item was removed, and officials demanded that there be no prayer, singing of hymns, Christians said.
The reading of Scripture at the service was also banned, confirmed advocacy group Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC).
“When the memorial was held the next day, officers monitored the entrance of the building. [They were] prohibiting anyone from bringing musical instruments into the venue and threatening those who attempted to do so, ” VOMC added.
The “persecution of Christians” has been intense in Guiyang, according to Christians familiar with the situation.
Authorities raided “many worship services” and pastors’ homes, detaining Christians for professing their faith in Jesus Christ.
FIRST CASE
“However, this is the first known case where government officials have raided a memorial service facility.”
It comes amid mounting pressure on devoted Christians in several here regions of China to deny faith in Christ and pledge allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Worthy News learned.
Under Chinese President Xi Jinping, churches also had crosses removed and several places of worship are closed.
The CCP eliminated the two-term limit for the presidency, paving the way for Xi to serve indefinitely.
VOMC urged Christians to pray for what it said were persecuted believers in China.
Some Communist officials have suggested there may be at least 130-million Christians in China among its 1.4 billion people. But the government officially cites lower figures.
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