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US Senator Slams China's Religious Persecution Ahead of Easter

A senior US lawmaker, John Moolenaar, has sharply criticized China's record on religious freedom ahead of Easter. He accused the Chinese Communist Party of persecuting Christians, specifically mentioning imprisoned figures like Pastor Jin and Jimmy Lai. Moolenaar called on Chinese leadership, including Xi Jinping, to allow religious freedom, drawing parallels to biblical accounts of persecution. The remarks highlight ongoing human rights scrutiny and broader tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Key Points: US Senator Criticizes China on Religious Freedom Before Easter

  • US lawmaker criticizes China's religious freedom record
  • Accuses CCP of persecuting Christians
  • Draws parallels to early Christian persecution
  • Calls on Chinese leadership to change course
  • Remarks reflect ongoing US-China tensions
2 min read

US Senator slams China on religious freedom

A senior US lawmaker accuses China of persecuting Christians and calls for greater religious freedoms, drawing parallels to early Christian persecution.

"Such is the case in China, where the CCP's chains on Pastor Jin, Jimmy Lai, and other followers of Jesus will only encourage others to spread the good news - John Moolenaar"

Washington, April 5

A senior US lawmaker has criticised China's record on religious freedom ahead of Easter, accusing the Chinese Communist Party of persecuting Christians and calling for greater freedoms in the country.

Chairman John Moolenaar of the Select Committee on China said the faith of imprisoned Christians in China would continue to inspire others despite state repression.

"When he was imprisoned for his faith in Jesus, Paul wrote to the Philippians, 'It has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear,'" Moolenaar said in a statement marking Easter.

He drew parallels between early Christian persecution and present-day conditions in China.

"Such is the case in China, where the CCP's chains on Pastor Jin, Jimmy Lai, and other followers of Jesus will only encourage others to spread the good news of Christ's victory over the grave," he said.

Moolenaar also called on Chinese leadership to change course.

"As we celebrate Easter this Sunday, I pray that just as Paul was once a vicious oppressor of Christians, that Xi Jinping and the CCP will see the light and allow the people of China to have freedom of religion - a right we have had as Americans for 250 years," he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny in Washington over China's treatment of religious minorities, including Christians, Muslims, and other faith groups.

Lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have frequently raised concerns over restrictions on worship, surveillance, and detention linked to religious practices.

The statement also reflects broader tensions between Washington and Beijing, where human rights issues remain a persistent point of friction alongside trade, technology, and security disputes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While the sentiment is noble, this feels like selective outrage. Why only talk about Christians ahead of Easter? What about the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang? Human rights should be universal, not based on which community votes for you. 🇮🇳
A
Aman W
As an Indian Christian, I appreciate global voices speaking up. Persecution anywhere is wrong. But drawing direct parallels to ancient Rome is a stretch. Every nation's context is different. Dialogue, not just condemnation, is needed.
S
Sarah B
Interesting timing with Easter. It's clearly a political statement wrapped in religious rhetoric. The US-China rivalry is playing out on every front now. India must navigate this carefully and focus on its own secular principles.
K
Karthik V
The "250 years" line is ironic given America's history. Every country has a journey. India, with all its challenges, has largely protected religious freedom. Maybe instead of praying for China's leadership, the Senator could work on fixing polarization in his own country.
M
Meera T
Freedom of religion is a fundamental right. China's approach is indeed concerning. But as Indians, we know external criticism often backfires. Change must come from within a society. Hope for peace and tolerance for all faiths everywhere. 🙏

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