“Previously, Chinese authorities classified activity by pastors and churches not registered with the government as ‘illegal’, but now they’re using legal terms like ‘fraud’ and ‘impersonation’,” says Representative Foley.  “But legally, an activity is ‘fraudulent’ if it intentionally uses deceit or false statements to try to take away someone’s money or rights or possessions. Likewise, legally, ‘impersonation’ means pretending to be someone else in order to deceive others or gain an advantage. Clearly that’s not what house churches are doing. They are choosing not to register with the government because of their religious convictions. They are not trying to deceive people into thinking that they are part of the government-run churches.” 

Song County in China’s Henan Province, recently issued a “Notice on the Reward for Reporting Illegal Religious Activities,” explicitly targeting house leaders and Christians by rewarding the public for reporting any Christian activity not approved by the government, even when the activity takes place in private homes or personal conversations online. 

According to the notice published by Song County’s official media outlet, “Song County Integrated Media,” illegal activities include “holding religious activities outside [government] registered religious venues, such as setting up private gathering spots or organizing house churches.” Any unapproved Christian decorations, such as wall hangings with scriptures written on them, even in private homes, are also banned and should be reported to the government, according to the notice.  

The notice also lists “posing as religious clergy” as an illegal activity which should be reported by citizens.  

According to Representative Foley, it’s not the first time that religious leaders have been classified as “frauds” and “imposters” for refusing to register with the government. 

“In 2023, a Catholic bishop, Father Yang Xiaoming from the Wenzhou Diocese in Zhejiang, China, was convicted of ‘fraud’ and ‘impersonating religious personnel’, even though he had been properly ordained by the Catholic Church and was serving with their approval,” says Representative Foley. “But because he refused to join the government-run ‘Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association’, authorities ordered him to pay a fine and stop serving as a priest.” 

The new program in Song County also cracks down on Christian content on social media.  

“The notice from officials says that citizens should report any religious content they see on WeChat or Douyin (Chinese TikTok),” says Representative Foley.   

Other illegal actions include “forcing or indirectly forcing others to believe in religion” and “proselytizing on the streets.” 

Christianity in Henan has experienced rapid growth, with the number of Christians ranking among the highest in the country. In addition to the government-run “Three-Self” churches, a large number of house churches operate in homes or private locations. In recent years, the Chinese government has increasingly tightened its religious regulations, including Henan churches. According to Representative Foley, the new “reward for reporting” program marks yet another harsh measure of control. 

“At a time when the Chinese government is forcing its ‘Three-Self’ churches to actively promote communism, it’s sad to see the real Christians branded as frauds and imposters,” says Representative Foley. “But the Lord Jesus himself was accused of blasphemy, so we should rejoice when others accuse us falsely for our faithful witness. Jesus says we will have a great reward if we endure.” 

Individuals interested in learning about or supporting Voice of the Martyrs Korea’s work in partnership with house church Christians in China can visit www.vomkorea.com/en/china or give via electronic transfer to: 

KB Bank: 463501-01-243303 

Account Holder: (사)순교자의소리 

Please note “China” on the transfer.