The Chinese Communist Party drafted new rules this week, prohibiting foreigners from discussing religion with Chinese citizens.
China's Ministry of Justice published a list of restrictions on foreigners seeking to spread "religious extremism" or "undermine China's national or ethnic unity" through religion.
Foreigners would be prohibited from the following activities:
- "interfering with or dominating the affairs of Chinese religious groups."
- advocating "extremist religious thoughts."
- using religion to conduct terrorist activities
- "interfering with the appointment or management of Chinese clergy members."
- "illegal preaching among Chinese citizens."
- "converting new believers."
- "accepting religious donations from Chinese citizens."
- "carrying out religious education and training."
Foreigners organizing a gathering in a church, mosque, or temple would be required to submit a "written application" to a government-supervised religious organization in the city.
