China Levels Only Catholic Church in Zhifang

Built and used since 1999, the church in Xi'an was a plain and simple building that had the required permits for its construction from the Religious Affairs Bureau. The legal papers show that the church was not only approved but also had the permit to the land, which was "permanent."

Catholics protested in the village in front of the local municipal building, but they received no response from the authorities. Demonstrators shared their reactions to the demolition: "What kind of law enforcement in a 'civili[z]ed' society is this! What kind of policy on religious freedom is this!"

One protestor acknowledged Thursday's feast of Holy Innocents, writing, "After the birth of Jesus, so many saints and innocent children were sacrificed. Today, even Zhifang's innocent church has been violently demolished. Oh Lord, they know not what they do!"

The removal of the church comes at a time when mutual relations between China and the Vatican are moving forward after both "reached consensus" on the appointment of bishops in February. In the past, Chinese officials appointed Catholic bishops without Vatican approval.

In 1951 — two years after the founding of the People's Republic of China by the atheistic Chinese Communist Party (CCP) — Beijing separated from Rome and established its own independent Catholic church, the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPCA). Ever since, Chinese Catholics faithful to the Vatican have been part of an underground church.

Church Militant has reported that Chinese authorities have been removing crosses from Christian churches since 2013. In 2014, 1,500 churches were demolished and the crosses removed in the Zhejiang province.

Another protestor in Zhifang asked for prayers "for redemption and for the profaned temple," requesting "real implementation of the policy of religious freedom."