Major Crackdown on Church Networks

In recent months, the Chinese Communist Party has intensified its campaign against some of China's largest unregistered church networks. This crackdown follows years of pressure on congregations such as those belonging to the Early Rain Covenant Church, which has faced major oppression since December 2018. In October 2025, authorities also launched coordinated raids on multiple campuses of the Zion Church network, arresting several church leaders. More recently, similar actions have targeted the Yayang Christian Church and its affiliated congregations.

In the early morning hours of December 15th, more than 1,000 officers raided 12 congregations linked to the Yayang Christian Church. During the raids, authorities arrested hundreds of believers and detained key church workers. In the days following, police vehicles remained stationed outside the homes of several church members.

On January 5th, hundreds of police officers and members of China's special forces surrounded the Yayang Christian Church in Wenzhou with scaffolding and barricades, blocking the building from public view. In addition to strictly warning citizens to not take any photographs or videos, authorities deployed drones and signal-blocking vehicles to monitor the area. Several individuals were taken into custody merely for sharing information on social media or through private messaging apps.

While the church remains blocked from view, the silhouette of the building clearly shows that the cross has been removed from the bell tower. There have also been reports that the bell tower itself is being dismantled. It is believed that the authorities intend to eventually demolish or substantially alter the church building.

Despite these recent campaigns, church members are standing firm in their faith. Dr. Eric Foley from VOM Korea observes: "As their leaders are put in jail, new leaders are raised up from the congregation to take their place. This is real church life...an all-church commitment to Jesus Christ." As these churches continue to conduct worship services – even in the midst of dire challenges – the Gospel message is boldly being proclaimed.

At last report, 20 members of the Yayang church are presently being held in detention, and the government's oppression remains ongoing. To review previously published reports addressing the persecution of Christians in China, go to VOMCanada.com/china.htm.

• Pray that God's peace and strength will encourage the hearts of His oppressed people as they seek His guidance through these challenging times of persecution.
• In the midst of the present hardships, pray that the Lord will continue to work powerfully in and through China's churches, enabling them to courageously proclaim the message of His sacrificial love and forgiveness.
• May international pressure be applied in a concerted effort to overturn the Chinese government's oppressive policies, and thus bring relief to those who are suffering for their faith.