As part of the strict internet publishing policies in China, a leading digital platform for Christian content, Pray.com, has been removed from the Apple App Store in the communist nation.
The app made this announcement in a statement, noting that this has caused a hindrance to accessing important events such as the National Day of Prayer live stream, which has hosted notable names including Franklin Graham, Joe Biden, and Chris Tomlin, among others.
In 2016, the app was founded and so far, it has over 16 million users and offers services such as Bible stories and daily prayers, which has been helpful for its users.
Its goal is to improve the faith of individuals and also cause community engagement globally.
Unlike other apps that have been shut down, this app was allowed to operate with certain limitations. Speaking on some of the benefits it has enjoyed from some leaders, the app’s co-founder Michael Lynn said: “Since starting Pray.com, we have grown accustomed to positive relations with China.
"President Xi has allowed for the printing of nearly 150 million Bibles per year, and President Trump ensured that Bibles were exempt from Chinese tariffs."
Despite the restrictions placed on the app, its Chief Executive Officer, Steve Gatena, is looking for other ways to get to its Chinese audience. He is therefore inviting the country’s president, Xi Jinping, to its National Day of Prayer programme in Washington, United States, in May.
In a chat with The Christian Post, Apple said it is under obligation to abide by the laws of the nations in which it holds its operations.
Apps are expected to function majorly to create or ensure access to content that is religious and obtain permits from those who control the government system to be added to the app stores.
Aside from China where there is a restriction on its app, one can still download Pray.com on all other storefronts where it was previously available.
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