From the New York Times-
More than 100 Chinese Christians seeking to attend an international evangelical conference in South Africa have been barred from leaving the country, some in the group said, because their churches are not sanctioned by the state.
Organizers say that more than 4,000 Christians from around the world will discuss faith, poverty, the AIDS epidemic and other issues at the nine-day conference, which begins Saturday in Cape Town. But members of the Chinese delegation said that they could get no farther than the passport control at international airports in China before officials confiscated their documents.
“They said it is illegal to attend this conference, and they sent me home,” said Liu Guan, 36, a Protestant evangelical leader who tried to fly out of Capital International Airport in Beijing last Sunday. “The explanation was ‘for your own good.’ ”
Analysis- Really China?
The story goes on to say after these people were invited to the conference, the were pressured by the government not to go. On top of that, the ones that did try to attend had their passports confiscated at the airport and were sent home. After asking for letters on why they were taken, they received a short response.
They voluntarily gave them up.
All I can say is I am personally very happy I'm allowed to practice whatever religion I choose in the United States.
Determining religion as a reason to be prohibited from leaving the country is a complete joke. It's like saying if you like soccer, 'nope, sorry, you can't go see the World Cup.'
I know there's really nothing that can be done as it's a relatively small issue and if other countries were to get involved larger problems may present themselves.
That said, this is a travesty and the word should definitely get out about the situation.
Basically, Living in China + Practicing Christianity = Not allowed travel.
Fair? I think not.
-Tony
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