Chinese Pastor Sent to Labor Camp For Organizing ‘Illegal’ Religious Gatherings
- Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:25pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Pastor Shi Enhao
BEIJING (The Blaze/AP) — An underground Protestant leader has been sentenced to two years in a labor camp as China cracks down on unapproved churches that are getting bolder in confronting government religious policy, a U.S.-based monitoring group said Tuesday.
This is the latest development in a series of issues concerning China’s often harsh and erratic handling of religious activity. The expansion and growing influence of unofficial churches has unsettled China’s rulers, always suspicious of any independent social group that could challenge Communist authority.
China Aid Association said Pastor Shi Enhao, 55, was sentenced over the weekend for organizing illegal religious gatherings. He had been detained June 21 in the eastern city of Suqian in Jiangsu province.
Labor camp sentences are handed out without trial on the recommendation of police and can be extended beyond the usual two-year term.
Shi’s church was also ordered to cease meeting and its car, cash donations, musical instruments and even choir robes were seized by police, said China Aid, based in Midland, Texas.
China’s officially atheistic ruling Communist Party claims to protect freedom of worship and authorities usually refuse to comment on prosecutions against religious figures.
A man who answered the phone at the Suqian police spokesman’s office said he had no knowledge of the case. The man gave only his surname, Tian, because he was not authorized to speak with media.
Another man who answered the phone at the Suqian local government’s Religious Affairs Bureau said he knew of no such case. The man refused to give his name as is common among Chinese bureaucrats.
Shi is a deputy chairman of the Chinese House Church Alliance, a national group of underground congregations established to provide mutual support and intercede with authorities who routinely threaten and harass unofficial churches.
China Aid said Shi’s son, Shi Yongyang, was forced to sign a document confirming his father’s sentencing, but was not provided with the required copy in an apparent attempt to downplay news of the sentence.
In detaining him on June 21, police cited the charge of “suspicion of using superstition to undermine national law enforcement,” according to a charging document scanned and posted to China Aid’s website. That was apparently replaced with the lesser charge of organizing illegal gatherings to avoid a trial.
In an example of the growing boldness of religious organizations in China, underground Protestant church leaders issued a petition to the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp legislature, in May that called for an end to persecution of a Beijing church. The Shouwang Church and its 1,000 members have been blocked from their worship place for weeks and members detained at home to prevent them protesting.
Earlier this month, the Vatican excommunicated a Bishop who was ordained without papal approval. And there was also a bold letter written by Professor He Guanghu of Beijing‘s People’s University to communist leaders. In it, Guanghu called for an end to religious persecution, specifically addressing the situation at the Shouwang Church.
The crackdown on underground Protestant churches comes amid faltering relations with the Vatican over Beijing‘s refusal to recognize the Holy See’s exclusive right to name bishops.
On Monday, China called the Vatican “extremely unreasonable and rude” for expressing anger at three recent ordinations done without the pope’s approval.
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Comments (80)
bornagaincowgirl
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 1:24amI’m 51-years-old and I understand clearer today than ever before the price that the pilgrims, the founders of the constitution, and countless others paid for our religious freedom and liberty. I understand now that government, given the chance, is nothing but an opportunistic oppressor. Perhaps I understand better now because I see our religious freedom and liberty being taken away and I fear for my granddaughter and her generation. May God bless and protect Pastor Shi Enhao, may he glorify God, and may a greater measure of Christ be manifested in Him (this is what the battle is all about). May we stand strong like this pastor and never deny the name of Jesus Christ.
Report Post »Carol Ingian
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 12:30amAmen. And I pray that he has the opportunity in prison to teach others about God.
Report Post »Big Book Harry
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 1:35pmWhenever I feel discomfort it is because I find some person, situation or fact of life uncomfortable to me. I can find no serinity until I except that preson, situation or fact of life as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at that moment.. NOTHING ABSOLUTY NOTHING happens in Gods world by mistake. BB Pg 417
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 11:46pmThis is what Obama wants to do with Christians in the US.
Report Post »staythecourse
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:55amThis is the country Obama wants to “fundamentally transform” us into. There are so many abuses in China. We are guilty of willfull blindness pretending China is the perfect country when in fact it is tyranical.
Report Post »indy1
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:15amObama and Governor Moonbeam hate Christians. The Muslims and atheists are uniting on the Left to marginalize Christianity and eventually make it illegal.
Report Post »Eblaze44
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 11:45pm@Pawhuska
Report Post »Posted on July 26, 2011 at 11:08pm – You have always had to be registered by the state as a “church” – many states require SIX individuals agree. Check with any organized church. YES, you can be a church in your home without organizing – but if you start collecting money – you will be in trouble really fast and you will have no rights as a church.
Ron_WA
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 5:29amYes people, this happens in America as well (just w/out the labor camps)
Report Post »JMorcan
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 10:20am“just w/out the labor camps”
Not exactly a minor detail…
Report Post »Bernard
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 11:05pmThe very fact that he resistanted only demonstrates that a growing world of Chinese who are sick and tire of the Atheist movement and want a return to Mahayana Buddhism within China. This also goes to the rapid growth of Christianity within China. It is unstoppable ( for the moment) and may play a role in the total collapse of the Chinese Government to our advantage.
Report Post »Stu D. Baker-Hawk
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 10:43pmWake up, America, communist China never was, nor will ever be, our friend. Satan rules in that far-east nation, and we would be wise to slowly wean ourselves off every product produced there. Instead, we need to restart our own manufacturing centers and, once again, become self-sufficient from nations who would do us grave harm.
Report Post »Eblaze44
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 11:37pmYou are truly funny. America will never wean itself from cheap Chinese goods – they are much preferred over American made products any day and have been for decades. I distinctly remember twenty years ago when BUY AMERICAN was the cry and no one did. – First off – it’s difficult to find even American made junk – point to the store that carries one percent American made products – other than Government Motors and Ford. You sure won’t find it at the “big box” stores like Walmart, KMart, JC Penney, Kohl’s, or any other department store, check the labels. American labor and stifling government regulations and taxes cannot compete with foreign labor and cheap but dirty energy.
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:26amEblaze44
Report Post »I agree that American government in collusion with unions and others have made manufacturing impossible in the US. All of that good UN equalization of wealth between nations. BUT, I still believe that if Sam Walton ever sees his descendents again, he will kick their tails!!!
DYNA
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:53amOur nation cannot exist on tattoo parlors, lawyers, community activists, pawn shops, and a government subsidised population that only wants to eat and be entertained while becoming dependent on drugs both legal and illegal. Too many fat people riding electric scooters.
It is hard to imagine a strong nation without a strong manufacturing base. This would require a change to true liberty and independence from government regulation that wants to feed off the producer.
Report Post »justafollower
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 10:27pmThank you Blaze! I don’t see articles on these human rights violations anywhere! And it makes me angry. Hats off =D
Report Post »Audacity of The Infidel
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 5:07pmWhere are all the human rights activists?
Report Post »Robotics_Geek
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 10:05pmGod, We thank you for the strength you give your people, for the people this brother will meet on his journey and that you have allowed this to show no country, government or person can stop you from being worshiped or the message that your Son Jesus died on the cross and defeated death by walking out of his tomb showing that he had the power over evil and the grave. That you say whoever will come to you, can come to you and their crimes will be forgiven. I pray you will confirm this brother with signs and miracles. Thank You in Jesus, our Liberator and Lord’s name, Amen
Report Post »JeanWarner
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 12:48pmAmen and Amen awesome prayer!
Report Post »EZDOZIT
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:52pmChina has about 200 million christians and 10,000 chinese come to Christ every day.Do you think the people of china will be better off if it becomes a christian nation? Will America be better off if it becomes more like China?
Report Post »I Hear the Wolves
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:09amI totally agree with you. Christianity thrives under persecution. It has since it’s inception. That is why the American church is mostly impotent these days. It is predominately made up of spoiled, ungrateful, spiritual-babies. Because we have never had to put our lives or even our freedom on the line for what we believe. Living as a Christian in this country is both a blessing and a curse.
American Christians don’t know what persecution is. Sure, we might get made fun of at work or school if we profess what we believe, but we are just as likely to meet people who believe the same things (or at least close enough to it). However, I do believe those days of ease for American believers is drawing to an end very soon.
Maranatha!
Report Post »Hungry_i
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:52pmI don’t believe that breaking the law, even in China, is the best way to further the Cause of God.
Flame away.
Report Post »H Beale
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 11:02pmWho’s law? God‘s or man’s?
What cowards and apathetic sheep the American people are! Sickening actually.
Report Post »Hungry_i
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 11:38pmYou’re calling me a coward for rendering unto Caesar? In this day, the Cause of God is advanced by the virtuous, not by the untrustworthy. Members of my Faith are permitted unprecedented freedom in China as they conform to the law and thereby present no threat to the government. Thus, the Word is spread in the most agreeable fashion.
Report Post »Mil Mom
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:02amre : Don’t believe breaking the law is the best way….
Report Post »***
As a Christian who cherishes her right to read the scriptures; I thank God that the 1st century Christian didn’t think like that when all those nations made laws against telling the Resurrection story, and that not even burnings stonings the Roman Coloseums, hungry lions or persecutions of any kind, could prevent them from telling the story, and writing the letters which became part of those scriptures. NOT EVEN BEING BOILED IN OIL COULD PREVENT JOHN FROM SPREADING THE GOSPEL!!!! May God protect and keep these Chinese Christians, and watch over this Pastor and bless him in all his endeavors for HIM.
“Yeah though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow Of Death, I will fear no evil, for The Lord is with me, Thy Rod, and Thy Staff they comfort me…..”
The first century Church really meant this, and He did Comfort them, these Chinese Christians, and those in Muslim countries mean them, DO WE TRULY MEAN THEM?
I Hear the Wolves
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:16amHey, Hungry,
I‘m pretty sure it doesn’t say Render unto Caesar that which is God’s, does it?
When Peter and John were told by the Jewish council to no longer teach in Jesus’s name, did they “render unto Caesar?” I’m afraid you have no idea what Jesus was talking about when he said that.
Report Post »Hungry_i
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 11:07amThere are millions of Christian Chinese who freely share their beliefs with believers and non-believers alike. The Word of God will prevail in China and elsewhere.
Report Post »5thregNHSM
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:41pmAnother shining example of left-wing religous tolerance.
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:32pmDear God protect and watch over your saints.
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:08pmChristianity is simple when you live in a Christian (basically) society. This guy really puts it on the line.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:21pmIndeed, and with the administration pushing the churches into preaching and endorsing the ‘share the wealth’ or ‘social justice’ garbage; how long shall it be before this starts occuring here? Will it just be with the IRS pulling the 501 – c – 3 Not for profit numbers? Will the next be sentence to ‘corrective facilites’ for the good of the society? Then, how long until those standing for what is right in God’s eyes will be summarily placed to the wall — no trial or civil right niceties, just summary sentencing and execution prepared ahead of the arrest?
China is slowly pulling itself apart at the seams, while America is falling into the nightmare we may never arise from again.
Report Post »mycomet123
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:59pmFather God, Please keep pastor Shi Enhao in your tender care in Jesus name we pray. Amen
Report Post »woemcat
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:42pmJesus called those who are persecuted for following Him blessed. This man is blessed. He has the prayers of so many around the world as do the other Christians in danger in China and in other places where following Him is dangerous. We, in the US have it good (right now) and I want to keep it that way. While we pray for him and others, we still need to work to keep US free, TRULY free.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:33pmHang in there pastor Shi Enhao .
Report Post »Our prayers with you .
Parkeralan
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:19pmMaybe Obummer should throw another state dinner for this “great nation”.
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:23pmYou will probably never see him again folks! Sad!
Report Post »ramburner
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:38pmComing soon to a state near you! Unless we get Obummer out of office and take back our government, we will also suffer needless government infringement on our religious freedoms.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:39pmHolder & the ATF will sell the Chinese the gun to shoot him with………..
Report Post »mingfurecon
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:19pmOr course and this is the government to which we are indebted! This entire charade and the agents operating in this administration (oxymoron), is the culmination of decades of subterfuge by the chicoms, and our dear leader is their perfect stooge. (their words not mine). With the help of Soros and several provoceteurs openly orchestrating the collapse of our economy, we are being betrayed by our own government. China’s control is the very envy of the potus and his goons.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:52pmThis guy has earned his crown in the Kingdom.
Report Post »Applehead
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:55pmA future Saint!
Report Post »Jezreel
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:41pmApplehead, HE IS ALREADY A SAINT!! All those who are truly in Him are Saints. The way that the Roman Catholic church has perverted the truth, they cannot make saints. ONLY JESUS CAN MAKE YOU A SAINT. Sounds like you are an “ain’t” instead of a saint to not know that.
Report Post »Dudley Do-Right
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 10:54pmJEZREEL
And which one of the 30,000 man made religions that broke away from the Catholic Church do you belong to? Come on, let us know so we can critique your faith too!
Report Post »Mil Mom
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:11am@Applehead
Report Post »Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:55pm
A future Saint
***
Maybe FUTURE in the eyes of some organized churches, but in God’s eyes, he has already achieved that honor, for it doesn’t depend on if one is voted there by man, but guided there By God!
MilesInman
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:51pmAnd we think we have it hard…. Thank God for the people like that who resist.
Report Post »junior1971
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:49pmMore folks for GOD to share his message with, Hell yAH!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Hungry_i
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:26pmIrony, you haz it.
Report Post »BQI
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:47pmLiberals and progressives like this type of control. Remember POTUS communications director who idolized Mao?
Report Post »We better be careful for Obama is hinting that he might disregard Congress and lift the debt ceiling without them. See video here:http://blackquillandink.com/?page_id=7054 Also consider how he is creating chaos and how conditions are peaking towards 2012. Checkout this article: Obama Suspends Civil Liberties @ http://blackquillandink.com/?p=1861
loriann12
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:54pmNotice they said “freedom of worship?” That’s not freedom of religion, and it’s the same crap Hillary Clinton is trying to say we have. We have freedom of religion. When a government grants freedom of worship, they can tell you what religion to have, you are just free to worship their religion as you please. It’s not the same thing. If our liberals here have their way, that‘s where we’ll end up. You can worship the state religion any way you want, but don’t have a different one.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:40pmGod help him.
Report Post »CamoJan
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:54pmI’ve seen a video a couple months ago about some underground churches in China. It mentioned that every time the pastor of one particular underground church would be arested, more people would become members of that church. After a handful of times arresting him and the church growing by leaps and bounds, the police had given up on arresting him to thwart masses of people coming to know Christ!
God be with this man and watch over his family and church in his absence. Thank you Lord.
Report Post »JGraham III
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:07pmChristianity ALWAYS has been a flower that blooms most profusely when persecution comes. The Romans tried and failed: the French/Communist revolutions have tried and failed. What ‘kills’ Christianity is not pressure from without, but pleasure from within. America and Europe have far too long been scintillated and titillated by entertainment instead of worship and ‘teachings’ that tickle the ears rather than instruct and equip. God help us because I fear that when the persecutions here become open and menacing rather than the low-level harrassment we already see that too many will fall away instead of standing for Christ. Men like this Chinese pastor are heros whereas the fools that occupy the seats of ‘authority’ who preach ‘social justice’ are zeros in God’s eyes. This man will be heaped with rewards when the Lord hands them out at His judgement seat and the likes of Jim Wallis (if he makes it in the door…) will be told “welcome!….next”.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:36pmand the administration admires China…
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:17pmObama BOWS to China!
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:07pmand where is your references for your statement that the Obama administration admires China? What the hell is wrong with you to make such statements which have absolutely no truth to them!
Report Post »http://wp.me/pYLB7-1cO
busterpuddles
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:36pmWow! I can’t imagine living in such a society. I wonder what the suicide rate is in China?
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:16pmVery high!!
Report Post »poppinbeaners
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 7:29pmI‘m positive he’ll have a BIG Mansion in heaven for his sacrifice.
Report Post »Pawhuska
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 11:08pmthis is starting here. I live in the bible belt. and have started a church. the state has given me a sales tax exemp number without being incorperated but the local county acessor wont give me property tax exemption because we are not Incorperated! the state treasurer office did not require it for tax exemption. the IRS does not require it for tax exemption but the sec of state office seems to think that you cannot be a church without state registration and approval. I thought we wern’t in china yet! but maybe we are.
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