Chinese government officials ban LDS Church activities in Beijing

[blackstrap]

Might this have any effect on Hong Kong ?

[Stargazer]

Something from Christrian Broadcast Network (CBN) about this:

 

[JAHS]

28 minutes ago, Stargazer said:

Something from Christrian Broadcast Network (CBN) about this:

 

Wondering if those churches can still accept donations using an online methods like our Church does.

[Stargazer]

On 7/12/2025 at 4:35 AM, blackstrap said:

Might this have any effect on Hong Kong ?

It seems to be only affecting Beijing so far. In a comment to that Ward Radio video I posted above, a Shanghai member said:

"@cinnamondan4984 - I am a member in Shanghai. So far have not seen the issues discussed first hand but I can say we will get more millage moving forward obeying the Church’s council on how to engage China rather than smuggling in a crate of BOMs. And if anyone wants to do that because they have nothing to lose then remember people like my wife and kids refrain. My wife is Chinese and due to her father committing a bank robbery and skipping town in 1998 my wife is travel banned until they find him…and it feels like they never will. She is fortunate to have the gospel and the fellowship of the saints in her life though. Our kids can stay by us and be raised in a wonderful branch. I would advise people to think of us before trying to hand out a BOM to the local. We are grateful to just have our local branch…and at times like this its existence hangs in the balance."

He mentioned the handing out of BoM copies because Jonah Barnes suggested that was a worthy activity if one had nothing to lose.

One thing I noticed while doing a Meetinghouse Locator search is that only foreigner-serving branches in mainland China outside of Hong Kong are shown. Within Hong Kong, both kinds are shown. So I suspect that Hong Kong members are not having this problem. So far.

[Stargazer]

41 minutes ago, JAHS said:

Wondering if those churches can still accept donations using an online methods like our Church does.

The internet is China is very closely monitored by the State. 

[Stargazer]

On 7/8/2025 at 3:51 PM, marineland said:

Christians who worship in underground or home churches are not dishonest nor do they
pose a threat to the government.  

I don't think he was saying they were dishonest.

On the other hand, if one defines dishonesty to include doing something the government forbids, then I guess it would be dishonest. Just like using an extended definition to exclude from being Christian any church that doesn't believe the "approved" doctrine.

To the Chinese government, in fact to any Communist government, any religion other than the religion of the State is a threat or potential threat to the governments. By definition.

On 7/8/2025 at 3:51 PM, marineland said:

Churches in China are required to register with the government primarily for control, 
surveillance, and ideological conformity.  Unregistered or "underground" churches are 
technically illegal and can be harassed, shut down, or persecuted. 

Registering with the government allows churches to operate legally and to hold public 
services. However, registration also means censorship of teachings. surveillance of church
leaders and members, and limits activities like proselytizing, youth ministry, or online
evangelism.

Yep. One of the Beijing LDS branches was shut down by the government using the pretext of accepting donations not according to regulations. Supposedly.

As I understand it, the Church has been trying to get legal status in China for a long time, but that status has not been granted.

[Calm]

12 minutes ago, Stargazer said:

And if anyone wants to do that because they have nothing to lose then remember people like my wife and kids refrain.

Yes, people need to remember their decisions affect others besides themselves, sometimes in dangerous ways even if there is the smallest of connections…especially when someone is just looking for an excuse to justify their own actions.

You may be willing to destroy your own life in the service of a great cause, but what about destroying the lives of others, especially those you consider part of your community?

[The Nehor]

On 7/21/2025 at 3:16 PM, Stargazer said:

The internet is China is very closely monitored by the State. 

True, it is not that difficult to circumvent it but it is a hassle.

[The Nehor]

On 7/21/2025 at 3:24 PM, Stargazer said:

To the Chinese government, in fact to any Communist government, any religion other than the religion of the State is a threat or potential threat to the governments. By definition.

Laos would like to have a word.

[marineland]

On 7/21/2025 at 4:24 PM, Stargazer said:

As I understand it, the Church has been trying to get legal status in China for a long time, but that status has not been granted.

Maybe the legal status of the Hong Kong temple lent initial support for when the
Shanghai temple was planned, until tariffs came into play.