Faith
Chinese House Church Leaders Face Fresh Persecution
Faith Facts
- Eighteen leaders, including Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, were arrested at Zion Church in Beihai, Guangxi.
- Authorities accused them of “illegally using information networks,” a charge often used against unregistered churches.
- Detentions and possible prison sentences up to three years threaten the fellowship of thousands of believers.
Authorities in China have intensified efforts to suppress non-state sanctioned Christian worship, as seen in the latest arrests at Zion Church—an unofficial congregation with over 5,000 members.
The government’s ongoing crackdown has included closures and surveillance demands, with the aim of pressuring churches to register with the Communist Party.
“They have been targeted solely for the peaceful exercise of their religious beliefs,” said Scott Bower, CEO of Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
Christian organizations report that accusations like “fraud” and “organising unlawful meetings” are often levied, causing many house church fellowships to halt their meetings.
“Due to the recent crackdown, our church has come to a standstill. More than 80 groups within the house church movement have ceased meeting. Of the original 14 churches, only a few remain.”
Let us stand together in prayer for our brothers and sisters in China, seeking God’s protection for their faith and resolve to worship freely, and urge leaders worldwide to defend the right to gather in His name.