Olympic Persecution

An organization founded by a man who escaped from China after being persecuted for his Christian faith says it has uncovered a secret Chinese government document demanding that churches shut their doors for 90 days around the 2008 Beijing Olympics. "Should church members violate these rules they will be subject to the disciplinary actions of the Chinese government," said the report from China Aid Association, an organization dedicated to helping persecuted Christians. "Pastors were forced to sign a written agreement that they would not participate in religious services while the Olympic Games are taking place in China," the organization said. "The document, drafted by Chinese government officials, specifies that the house Churches in China: 'refrain from organizing and joining illegal gatherings and refrain from receiving donations, sermons and preaching from overseas religious organizations and groups that have a purpose.'" "The discovery of this document provides further evidence of the PRC's hypocrisy towards creating a 'harmonious society' marked by religious freedom and rule of law," said CAA. "The fact the document was issued while the world's focus is on China, is a blatant challenge to the international community and an apathetic stance toward seeking to correct human rights violations."