The Chinese government’s persecution of Christianity and other faiths will be the topic of a hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, on Thursday, Sept. 27.

“Burning Bibles, destroying churches, and jailing Muslims by the million is only part of the Chinese Communist Party’s audaciously repressive assault on conscience and religion.  Taking a hammer and sickle to the cross is a good way to create bipartisan consensus for a tougher U.S. stance towards China,” said Smith.

“Nevertheless, a strong U.S. response and leadership is needed to confront this evil because Beijing’s external aggression emanates from its internal repression.  This hearing will look at Xi Jinping's efforts to sinacize religion in China and delve deeper into increasing pressure on the fast growing Protestant 'house church' movement and the announced agreement between the Holy See and Beijing,” Smith said.

Who:               Chairman Smith (R-NJ), Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations; other members of the Committee

Witnesses:         

Panel I

Tenzin Dorjee, Ph.D.
Commissioner
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Panel II

Mr. Bob Fu
Founder and President
ChinaAid

Thomas Farr, Ph.D.
President
Religious Freedom Institute

What:              House hearing on China’s war on Christianity and other faiths

When:             Thursday, September 27, 2018 2:00 PM

Where:            Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2255 (second floor)