Christians in China have always faced persecution, but recently it's been increasing heavily. Christian leaders are calling attention to it and mobilizing the Church to pray. 

Open Doors USA reports that "since introducing new religious regulations in February to align 'religion with Chinese characteristics,' Chinese President Xi Jinping and his regime continue to tighten their grip on religious rights in the name of unification of the country."

Open Doors works to bring awareness of persecuted Christians around the world. In their annual World Watch List, they reported that 57% of Christians in China are actively being persecuted.

Bob Fu, the founder and President of China Aid which helps persecuted Chinese, says that the government has started burning Bibles and crosses in the area of Henan.

Fu shared a video on Twitter that shows the burning of Bibles. 

"CCP starts burning the Bible and crosses in Henan. Last time burning Bibles campaign happened in late 1960s by dictator Chairman Mao’s wife Jiang Qing in Shanghai. She was arrested in 1976 but Christians grew to millions. Will Never be successful," Fu said in his tweet.

 

The Chinese government has also forced churches to start displaying the national flag above crosses at some churches.

"Should be alarmed and outraged": a call to prayer

Fu told news agencies that "The international community should be alarmed and outraged for this blatant violation of freedom of religion and belief."

He is also calling on the global Church to respond with prayer. 

"We've launched a prayer campaign right now," Fu said in a video to Global News Alliance. "Of course, we also call upon the international community to really pay attention and show solidarity with our persecuted brothers and sisters."

Fu also urged American and European governments to speak up to the Chinese government and call on them to end the persecution.