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Christians from all around Wenzhou stand
guard in front of the church. The cross causing
the conflict can be seen atop the church.
(Photo: China Aid) |
Thousands of Chinese Christians have 24-hour defense of a church in a city known as the 'Jerusalem of the East' after Communist Party officials threatened to bulldoze this place of worship. Sanjiang church in Wenzhou guard began earlier this week when a demolition notice was put onto the church. The worshipers say it cost around 30 million yuan (£2.91 million) and almost six years to build.
Officials claim the church had been built illegally. Thousands of people, including elderly have now occupied the church to prevent demolition.Wenzhou is a wealthy coastal city around 230 miles south of Shanghai in Zhejiang province, has around 7 million residents. Around 15 per cent are church goers. In 2000 hundreds of churches and temples were demolished across Zhejiang province. The Sanjiang church is part of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, China's officially sanctioned and government-controlled Protestant church. Today, there are thought to be more Chinese Christians with up to 100 million mainland believers.Under Chinese law, they were only allowed to worship on Sundays. Preachers were required to avoid politically sensitives topics.
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