Christian Churches Torn Down by China

Chinese churches are being torn down by government authorities in a renewed crackdown on religion. Religion was technically legalized in 1982, but, since February, “house” churches that Beijing previously tolerated have come under more pressure, with crosses removed from buildings and some, perceived as too large, demolished. Last week, the Vatican and Beijing signed a provisional agreement that would give the pope a say in the appointment of bishops in China, and the Vatican agreed in return to recognize seven Chinese bishops who were appointed unilaterally by Beijing and had been excommunicated.