China: crosses torn down from 400 churches
December 26, 2014
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In recent months, Communist officials have removed crosses from over 400 churches in the east-central Chinese province of Zhejiang, the Associated Press reported.
“They keep a very close watch on us, and there is nothing we can do,” said an official at one church. “The situation is not good, as any attempt to re-erect the cross will be stopped.”
Local civil authorities also banned Christmas celebrations in schools.
“We had guidance on foreign holidays such as Christmas in the past, but this year marks the first time we issued a clearer notice,” said one education official.
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Posted by: -
Dec. 27, 2014 12:31 AM ET USA
Matteo Ricci, SJ learned early on during his mission that the Chinese culture was less interested in and less impressed by European standards. Let me suggest that it is not unvarnished atheism but reclaimed nationalism that is the "engine" here. All things Chinese get support as they nurture national identity after over a century of terrible struggle. European/Western culture dismissed and belittled China and they want an end to that.
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Posted by: Defender -
Dec. 26, 2014 4:36 PM ET USA
The Vatican needs to keep things like this in mind. The communist government hasn't changed its mind about enforced atheism, it's merely changed its way of doing things.
