 The Shouwang Church was suppressed for 38 continuous weeks in 2011. Photo: ChinaAid |
Government persecution of Christians and churches in China worsened significantly in 2011. From 2010 to 2011, the total number of people persecuted, detained, sentenced, or abused jumped 42.5 per cent. Compared with the statistics in past ChinaAid annual reports, the trend of worsening persecution has persisted for the past six years, with an average annual increase of 33.1 per cent.
Two major cases are representative of the 2011 practise of targeting influential house churches for persecution: the large-scale suppression of Beijing Shouwang Church for 38 continuous weeks (for more, click here), and the continued strict surveillance and suppression of the Linfen church in Shanxi province since it was banned in 2009 (click here to learn more).
ChinaAid founder and president Bob Fu said, "House churches in China which are committed to the sole headship of Christ in the church and to evangelism must operate as illegal groups conducting so-called 'illegal religious activities,' and consequently must be ready to suffer the administrative penalties inflicted by the state."
Thank the Lord for the extraordinary faithfulness of Christians in China who continue to serve the Lord though they face intimidation, threats and arrest. Pray they will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48). Ask the Lord to continue to grow His church in China.
To learn more about China's suffering Church, visit the China Country Report.
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