China crosses

China's Zhejiang Province is "home to one of China’s largest and most vibrant Christian populations." About two years ago, 1200-1700 crosses topped churches in the province - but no longer.  The Chinese government has been on a crusade to chop them off.

The message seems to be, "we will tell the peasants what to think and how to worship." Some say it's a test in Zhejiang, that the campaign will expand if the government likes the results, according to the NY Times.

But "broadening the campaign to regulate religion could backfire . . with worshipers abandoning government-run churches in favor of underground congregations . . . It could also antagonize many of the urban, white-collar professionals who have embraced Christianity."