China continues to place restrictions on religious sites in Hubei despite easing curbs on the province where the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak started.
Authorities lifted curbs on the region at the end of March, with its capital Wuhan, the original epicenter of the virus, being eased on April 8.
However, the Chinese government has not permitted churches to open for regular liturgical programs on the grounds that a concentration of people could cause a relapse of Covid-19, according to Fr Zhang.
“Churches have not opened their doors,” he said. “Local government authorities are not permitting it. In the case of an outbreak, they are afraid of being held accountable.”
Fr Zhang said a parish near him, which held Masses on the last two Sundays, was reported by villagers.
“Authorities came and put a notice on the church door prohibiting services,” he said.
“I’m not sure if they are worried about the coronavirus or trying to suppress the Church.”
With no official information on when churches can function regularly, Catholics in China remain uncertain if they can celebrate Easter.
Paul Zhao, a Catholic of Wuhan Diocese, said the government did not let his local church open.
“Even now, if the churches are open, not many will dare to go. It will take some time for churches to have normal attendances … maybe a year. No one want to invite trouble,” he said.
Juan Liu, another member of Wuhan Diocese, feared that if church closures and fear of gathering in churches continue that “everyone’s faith is going to slide”.
