Authorities in the Henan province of China are forcing people of faith to register on ‘Smart Religion’ app for worship, reported Fox News.
Henan is one of the most religious provinces in the largely secular country and home to one of China’s most vibrant Christian communities. Religious members of the public in Henan must fill out a government form and verify their place of worship before gathering with fellow believers, according to Chinese human rights advocacy group ChinaAid.
“Applicants must fill in personal information, including name, phone number, ID number, permanent residence, occupation, and date of birth, before they can make a reservation,” the group reported.
“Those who are allowed into the church must also have their temperature taken and show a reservation code,” it added.
ChinaAid released their report on the new system on March 6.
The regulation system is required for all citizens seeking to worship, regardless of religion—citizens can select their affiliation with a church, Buddhist temple, mosque, and others.
