Prayer diary: China

Although Protestantism and Catholicism are both included in Chinas five official religions, Christians and others who chose to worship outside the state-sanctioned religious groups, and those who stand up for the religious rights of others, are at risk of arrest, torture, forced labour and sometimes long-term imprisonment. The recent wave of demolitions of churches and the removal of religious symbols in Zhejiang Province highlights tensions between churches and the State, but also between local and provincial authorities, and between the varying approaches to different religions. Christian communities which have enjoyed a good, or at least quiet, relationship with local authorities may now see this relationship eroded by the sharp intervention of more senior officials.

Thank God for the relative improvements in religious freedom enjoyed by many Christians in major cities like Beijing;

Please pray…

• Pray for religious minorities in Xinjiang, Tibet and Inner Mongolia as they continue to practise their faith despite the resistance they face from government officials;
• Pray for Christians in Zhejiang in the face of destruction of churches and religious symbols;
• Ask God to protect Christian lawyers whose faith inspires them to stand up for the rights of others;
• Give thanks for the release of three imprisoned Christians from Nanle Church, and pray for the six who remain in detention;
• Pray for CSW’s work as we continue to bring the truth about religious freedom in China to light;
• Pray for strength and encouragement for Alimujiang Yimiti, a Uyghur Christian who is still in prison.