In recent years, the government has aggressively tried to ensure all religious expression is brought into line with official Chinese Communist philosophy. Any church or church leader stepping beyond that can face heavy restrictions. Unregistered churches, even those once tolerated, are considered illegal and increasingly put under pressure, as authorities seek to enforce regulations and tighten policies. State-approved churches come under strong ideological pressure, and smaller congregations are often forced to merge to make a larger church that is easier for the state to control.  

Children under 18 are forbidden from attending church. Officially registered churches are carefully regulated to make sure nothing they promote falls outside CCP guidelines. Surveillance and monitoring of all suspected church leaders are consequences of following Jesus in China.  

In regions where Islam or Tibetan Buddhism are majority faiths, Christian converts can face additional scrutiny and pressure – and sometimes violence – from their families and communities.