June 2019 – In an effort by the ruling Communist Party to control faith communities, a southern Chinese city is offering cash rewards for information about “illegal religious groups.” The Guangzhou Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs said up to 10,000 yuan ($1,500 U.S.) would be paid for information and assistance in hunting down key members and leaders of illegal foreign religious groups. The department is also offering smaller rewards for reports about religious venues set up without permission and behavior viewed as “religious extremism.” Though the rewards are not directed specifically for the capture of Christians, the new incentive comes at a time when Guangzhou officials have intensified their crackdown on Christian churches that have not registered with China’s communist government.
