Zhejiang province, where authorities have forcibly removed hundreds of rooftop crosses from Protestant and Catholic churches, has proposed a ban on the placement of the religious symbol atop sanctuaries.
The draft, if approved, will give the authorities legal grounds to remove rooftop crosses.
Since early 2014, Zhejiang officials have toppled crosses from more than 400 churches, sometimes resulting in violent clashes with congregations. They say the crosses violate building codes, but critics say the rapid growth of Christian groups makes the Communist Party nervous.
"The authorities have attached great importance to this religious symbol," said Zheng Leguo, a pastor from the province who now lives in the United States. "This means no more prominent manifestation of Christianity in public."
A draft of rules on religious structures released by government agencies this week says the crosses should be wholly affixed to a building façade and no more than one-tenth of the façade's height. The draft does not give a rationale for the plan.
Zhejiang engineer Fang Shenglan, who was involved in the research for the draft rules, confirmed that rooftop crosses would not be allowed. He declined to explain why over the phone and did not immediately respond to a written request.