China Churches Ordered by Government to Put In Observation Equipment

Changlin Church
The gate of Changlin Church in China lies in ruin after government authorities demolished it while on a trip to establish new surveillance equipment there. ChinaAid

Government officials in China's Zhejiang Province recently ordered surveillance equipment to be installed in churches so they could more easily monitor church activities, according to local, Christian watchdog sources.

Authorities in Zhejiang demanded in March that Three-Self Churches install surveillance cameras, and are sending officials to forcibly set up the devices if the order isn't carried out by church staffs, according to human rights and charitable organization ChinaAid.

ChinaAid representatives stated the authorities' public "reasoning" for the cameras were "safety" and "anti-terrorism" precautions. ChinaAid also said government authorities would consider whether a church previously resisted cross demolitions during a province-wide campaign and would send more agents to those sites. 

From March 21-24, ChinaAid said hundreds of police officers converged on Changlin Church in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, to carry out this surveillance task, physically beating Christians who resisted their efforts.

A local Christian said church members questioned why they needed additional surveillance when Three-Self Churches already are heavily monitored and policed by the government. Some Christian women stationed themselves outside the church, according to ChinaAid, fearing a possible church demolition, and were seized for their resistance. They then released once the surveillance cameras were set up. Officials also destroyed the church's reception desk and other parts of the building, including the church's gate so they could enter.

On March 23, ChinaAid reports Shengai Church representatives in Pingyang County, Wenzhou, issued a statement accusing government officials of violating the privacy, disrupting the internal affairs of religious organizations, and breaking laws by installing the cameras. Church staffers claimed the government had no legal basis for these actions, stating that they need to obtain the permission of the church or would otherwise result in an abuse of power and religious freedom. 

One online poster, William Smith, on Monday pointed out that government officials already had sanctioned the activities of state-run churches. "They find themselves helpless to prevent the great growth of Christianity across China, so resort to stupid ideas like this, which will intimidate people, but not prevent the gospel," he proclaimed.

"Praise God His word is increasing across China. Praise God hundreds come to faith every day. Praise God His grace is upholding His children whatever sanctions are thrown at them and will continue to do so. Praise God for the courage and vision of those who belong to Him in China. Who can stop the Lord Almighty?"

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.