Pray.com, a leading digital platform for Christian content, says it has been removed from the Apple App Store in mainland China, reflecting the Chinese government’s strict internet publishing policies.
Pray.com‘s mission since its 2016 inception has been to enhance faith and community engagement worldwide. With over 16 million users, it offers a range of spiritual resources, including daily prayers and Bible stories.
The decision marks a shift in China’s approach to the prayer app, which had operated under more lenient conditions that permitted the app to minister to people in China while others had been shut down.
In response, Pray.com is seeking alternative methods to reach its Chinese audience, with CEO Steve Gatena inviting President Xi to the National Day of Prayer event in Washington this May.
Apple told The Christian Post that it’s obligated to follow the laws of countries in which it operates, including ones it disagrees with. In China, the law requires apps that primarily function to provide or facilitate access to religious content to acquire permits from regulators to be included in app stores.
The company expresses solidarity with its Chinese members, while striving to comply with regulations and upholding its foundational goals.
Except for China, the Pray.com app can still be downloaded on all other storefronts where it was previously available.