Starting now all priests, bishops, deacons, and nuns must turn over their passports and any other travel permits held by registered religious bodies before they depart China (even if traveling abroad for private purposes). Upon returning to China, they must make exit and entry reports to officially record their travels.
Sound familiar?
For years, Protestant pastors serving in government-approved churches have faced similar travel restrictions. But now Catholic priests and bishops are being brought into the fold and in some cases are being held to even stricter standards.
China is continuing its intense push for what officials are calling the “sinicization” of religion. At the heart of this campaign is the forcing of every religious organization to put loyalty to the Communist Party of China above the church and God.
Reported by Nagaland Tribune, Catholic clergy are now being held to a “quasi-cadre personnel management system” — essentially placing them under similar oversight as civil servants, Communist Party members, and employees of government-owned corporations.
Leave applications must be written and submitted at least 30 days in advance of travel. Itineraries and travel companions must be provided. Changes will not be allowed. However this isn’t just about passports. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) knows religious leaders matter. They matter because they shape worldview and worldview directly influences loyalty.
The move to control clergy travel documents is another way for the Chinese government to restrict international relationships, theological discourse, and outside influences. Many Catholic clergy have family ties and close relationships outside the country. Limiting or severing those relationships limits outside influence.
BBC News has reported that the CCP “only allows religious activities within what it considers ‘normal religious activities.’” The phrase “normal religious activity” is intentionally vague and can be defined by the party however they want.
So, what does this really mean?
1. The CCP is politicizing religious leadership.
Control. Manipulation. Regulation. When pastors and priests are treated like government employees, that is a statement about who is in charge. When authorities can dictate where pastors and priests can and cannot go, that speaks volumes to the believers inside China. The government wants to make one thing perfectly clear: “Our politicians are in charge and spiritual leaders answer to us.”
2. International relationship building will become even more challenging.
Building trusted relationships takes time. Regulations like these cause unnecessary tension at every level. Officially approved relationships may take longer, be monitored, or discouraged behind the scenes.
3. This isn’t a sudden change.
Church leaders in China have been facing increased restrictions for years now. This is just a tightening of the screws.
As regulations like these are enforced, pray that Chinese Christians would continue to dig deep in their faith. That their love for Christ would not waver. That they would remain courageous and wise.
https://nagalandtribune.in/china-tightens-grip-on-catholic-clergy-by-imposing-travel-control-rules-report/
