In February 2018, the authorities already forcibly removed its crosses, along with four bas-reliefs that adorned the facade, the two statues of St. Peter and St. Paul on the sides of the building, and its two domes and bell towers; now it is asking the church to clear out everything on February 19.

According to Asia News, while the authorities did not disclose the reason for the demolition, most suspect that the church is being destroyed to use the land and build a commercial area in its place. In fact, the church stands along the road that leads to the airport and in the urban plans, this road will become increasingly important.

Another excuse for the demolition is that the church has been too “showy.” Under President Xi Jinping’s “Sinicization” campaign, religious venues that have foreign elements easily become targets and suffer forced removal of religious symbols or full demolition. Although Sacred Heart Church already went through a “makeover” in 2018, based on the standard of local authorities, apparently it is still too “visible.”

Source: ICC