Church demolition in a Liaocheng parish sparks members’ outrage

Government authorities in the city of Liaocheng (Shandong province) demolished several buildings that date back to 1930, officially because they lacked the necessary certificates. The structures belonged to the Catholic parish of Chaocheng. Church members did not stand idly by but moved into the remaining building to prevent its demolition. The forced demolition took place on 11 November when local officials came with a demolition team without prior notice. Catholics protested at government offices but did not get any answers. Peacefully, Church members hung a banner on the machinery used in the demolition. It read: “Vehicle of illegal demolition, Come one detain one, Never back down.”