01/06/2018 China (International Christian Concern) – Last September, Henan province saw churches across the province taken over in waves and repurposed to suit the government’s alleged needs – at least 20 sites in Dengzhou city and more than 138 in six districts across nine counties of Luoyang city, even some belonging to the state-sanctioned churches, according to Bitter Winter Magazine.

In Jiaozuo, a prefecture-level city in northern Henan, in the scant of few days between the end of August and the start of September, multiple Three-Self churches were forcibly occupied and repurposed by the Communist Party of China into communist party schools, cultural centers, and activity hubs.

Same thing goes for a Three-Self church in Jiabu village of Wuzhi county. The government forcibly occupied the church after removing its cross last August. Several employees from all levels of the United Front Work Department threatened the church to get keys and confiscated computers, air-conditioning units and several chairs and tables from the church.

Once the church was emptied, government employees put up a signboard that read “Joy Charity Institute of Group 3, Jiabu, Dafeng town, Wuzhi county” on the church’s eastern gate. On its western gate, they put up another signboard that read: “Dafeng Town CCP Committee Base-Level Party School.” Thus, turning the place of worship into a government entity.

Another Three-self church in Nie village was also turned into an “Integrated Cultural Service Center, while another Three-Self church in Zhuzhuang village turned into “Cultural Center & Wedding Celebrations.” Last but not least, a Three-Self church in Mengmen village was also repurposed into another “Joy Charity Institute,” a government facility serving as a nursing home.

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