09/15/2020 China (International Christian Concern) – On September 9^th, the Yingjiang County village officials created a new framework regarding allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This document is an addendum to the villages laws, which align with the 2018 Revised Religious Regulations which restricts religious activities through extreme measures.

The new framework by Yingjiang village officials gives the authorities the ability to penalize anyone who converts to a religion. Christianity specifically is seen as antithetical to the country’s governing ideology.  As punishment, officials can require Christians to clean village property for violating the law. This type of punishment is humiliating, and can include a fine.

Such a framework would target local Christian paddy farmers. If they do not renounce their faith, they could lose their possessions, farms, and housing. The framework also allows punishment for Christians who evangelize or talk about the Bible.

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