Health Fears Grow for Imprisoned Pastor Wang Yi as China Targets Early Rain Church Again

Faith Facts

• Chinese pastor Wang Yi remains imprisoned for his faith after authorities convicted him on charges widely viewed as retaliation for leading an independent house church.
• Reports indicate Pastor Wang is battling late-stage liver cancer while serving a nine-year sentence handed down in 2019.
• Chinese officials have renewed pressure on Early Rain Covenant Church by detaining additional members in recent weeks.

Reports emerging from China indicate that Pastor Wang Yi, founder of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, is suffering from advanced liver cancer while serving his prison term.

Church members and outside observers say the 46-year-old pastor has received only limited medical attention behind bars, prompting urgent calls for his release on humanitarian grounds.

“Pastor Wang’s health has deteriorated significantly, and we are deeply concerned that he may not receive the care he desperately needs,” a church statement obtained by supporters read.

Early Rain Covenant Church has faced repeated crackdowns since authorities raided its facilities in 2018, arresting Pastor Wang and dozens of other believers.

Despite the persecution, remaining members have continued to gather in small groups and maintain their commitment to biblical teaching and worship.

“We will not stop preaching the gospel, even under pressure,” one detained believer reportedly told family members before being taken into custody.

Human-rights advocates argue that the renewed detentions signal Beijing’s ongoing determination to eliminate unregistered Christian gatherings that refuse to submit to state oversight of religious activities.

Believers inside and outside China are praying for Pastor Wang’s healing and for protection over the congregation he shepherded.

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