ICC Note: Authorities in Henan province seized a Catholic-run kindergarten in March for its ‘failure to meet safety standards’ and lack of licenses. However, local source believes that Tian-ai Kindergarten, run by Zhifang Church, was targeted due to government’s tightening control of religious education. Since China’s new religious regulations took effect on February 1, minors have been banned from entering places of worship in several regions.  

03/26/2018 China (UCA News) – A Catholic-run kindergarten in China’s populous Henan province has been seized by authorities.

Tian-ai Kindergarten, run by Zhifang Church in Weihui parish of Anyang Diocese, was sealed after police stamps were posted on the school’s gate on Feb. 14 and March 14.

A person familiar with the situation told ucanews.com: “Posting twice means the school is not allowed to run.”

The kindergarten’s 60-70 children are now attending other schools nearby.

The source, from the open church, said the local fire bureau, public security bureau and education bureau went to investigate the kindergarten and said it was disqualified.

“Nearby kindergartens which are run much more badly were not seized — only the one run by the church,” the source said.

The move comes amid a growing trend by the Chinese government to harass Christian communities not attached to official state-run Catholic and Protestant churches. Islamic groups have also been targeted.

The source claimed it was a political campaign and the government had to firmly grasp the importance of education. It was preventing the church from doing things related to education, including running kindergartens.

“We can only fully obey the government and pray. We have no other choice,” the source said.

…

For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].