Chinese pastor who fought against official removal of Christian crosses is accused of embezzling
Authorities in Zhejiang say crosses are removed because they violate regulations against illegal structures
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Christian pastor who fought against Beijing’s drive to remove crosses from the outside of China’s churches is being investigated on suspicion of embezzlement, officials have said.
Authorities in Zhejiang say crosses are removed because they violate regulations against illegal structures. Rights groups say demolishing crosses restricts the religious freedom of Christians.
Pastor Gu Yuese’s Chongyi Church, which has a congregation of 10,000, is the largest Protestant Church in the Chinese-speaking world.
Mr Gu frequently met visiting foreigners and appeared at government-organised ceremonies, but had spoken out against the campaign to tear down crosses, according to some of his followers.
“We feel deeply shocked and filled with regret,” the government-backed Hangzhou Christian Council said of the investigation, in a statement on its website. It gave no further details of the charges or evidence against the pastor, saying simply that it had been notified by a “ relevant department”.
Despite his views, Mr Gu was seen by some as a poster boy for the officially sanctioned Christian Church in China, which is distinct from independent, illegal “underground” churches.
Zhejiang, on the country’s east coast, is known for its large Christian population.
REUTERS
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments