“God is an ever-present help in trouble”
China on Sept. 15 announced sweeping new regulations that effectively ban and tightly control religious activity online, prohibiting evangelism to minors, livestreamed worship, use of artificial intelligence, and online fundraising, according to a Sept. 19 report by Christian Daily International.
The religious freedom magazine Bitter Winter noted that this may be “one of the most technologically invasive” interventions into religious life to date, aiming to separate preaching and faith expression from the digital public square.
Under the new rules, clergy may only preach or teach through websites, applications, forums, and platforms run by registered religious organizations that hold an “Internet Religious Information Services License.” Personal social media accounts, livestreams, WeChat groups, and informal forums are strictly banned as channels for religious instruction. Clergy are also prohibited from self-promotion, from using religious identity to attract followers, and from any collaboration with foreign groups described as “overseas religious infiltration.”
Article 10 explicitly forbids online evangelism to minors and bans youth-oriented religious education, camps, or training programs. Clergy may not use generative AI to produce or share religious content. Religious fundraising, merchandise sales, and livestreamed commercial activities are also outlawed, along with the conduct of online worship, rituals, or sacraments.
The regulations emphasize that all religious activity must align with Communist Party leadership and socialist values, forbidding content that undermines state power, national unity, or social stability. Violators may face suspension of religious credentials, account closures, or even criminal investigation. Platforms hosting such content are also subject to penalties.
The scope of the regulations extends beyond mainland China to include Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and even applies to foreign clergy engaging in online activity that reaches audiences inside China. Bitter Winter warned that the rules effectively criminalize spontaneous online religious expression, isolate clergy from global faith discourse, and subject all online religious speech to state censorship.
China ranked 15th on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List of the most difficult countries in which to be a Christian.(Source : Christian Daily International, Edited Version)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.(Psalm 46:1,NIV)
God, we ask You to rebuke the evil ideology of the Chinese government that, under the banner of “Sinicizing religion,” seeks to block and control all religious activity even online. Destroy the schemes of Satan working behind this attempt to hinder people from coming to You by silencing the spread and hearing of the truth. Let China see that, despite oppression and threats, the Church remains victorious and unshaken. Strengthen and comfort the suffering Church with Your Word, that they may rely only on You, their refuge and strength. Grant them to live each day filled with the Holy Spirit, pressing forward in hope as they await the day of the LORD.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
