Chinese authorities have tightened control over religious life with a new code that regulates the online conduct of priests and worship leaders. According to The Pillar, the regulations prohibit the unauthorized transmission of liturgies, catechesis to minors through the internet, and any form of collaboration with “foreign forces” through digital activities.
The Code of Conduct for Religious Teachers and Personnel, published on September 15 by state media and issued by the State Administration for Religious Affairs, contains 18 articles that take effect immediately. Among other restrictions, it bans online fundraising for religious activities or the construction of temples.
Online Catechesis and Mass Under Prohibition
The provisions affect both celebrations and digital religious teaching. The text prohibits clergy from organizing live streams of Masses, prayer meetings, or catechesis, and explicitly states that “religious teachers must not disseminate or inculcate religious ideas to minors through the internet, induce faith, or organize their participation in religious education.”
In addition, the code extends its scope to any form of digital communication, including messaging apps like WeChat and even email. The regulation applies not only to the mainland territory but also to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, as well as foreign clergy conducting online activities within China.
“Collusion with Foreign Forces”
The new regulation warns that religious leaders will not be able to “collaborate with foreign forces through the internet” or participate in activities considered as “religious infiltration.” Authorities state that those who violate the norm may be sanctioned by religious affairs departments in coordination with public security and national security agencies.
A Chinese priest interviewed by the outlet described the measure as a “natural development of the Sinicization policy,” which requires religions to adapt to the socialist system and affirm the supremacy of the Communist Party. “Religion is fine, as long as it is under state control,” he explained. Another cleric warned that even ordinary communication from a bishop with Rome could be considered “foreign collusion” and treated as a national security offense.
Repercussions for the Catholic Church
Although authorities claim the regulation aims to curb abuses and the infiltration of sects, Catholics may be caught in the “crossfire.” The prohibition directly affects children’s catechesis and could criminalize contacts between the Church in China and the Vatican.
The measure is part of a series of laws approved in recent years to strengthen religious “independence” and limit foreign influence. In parallel, China has renewed the provisional agreement with the Holy See on the appointment of bishops, which, despite successive renewals since 2018, has generated tensions and criticism due to abuses by local authorities.
For the clergy consulted by The Pillar, the new norms reveal a hardening that can turn even ordinary gestures of ecclesial communion into potential national security offenses.