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Christian Leaders Released from Prison

ChinaAid, Church in Chains 30 April 2026

Han Xiaodong (left), Li Jie (center), and Wang Qiang (right) are happily smiling in front of the banner. — Church leaders in front of a banner stating,
”Dad, welcome home.”
Photo: ChinaAid

In August 2022, police raided a family camp run by the Linfen Covenant House Church, resulting in numerous arrests and the closure of both the church and its affiliated school. (For additional details, see these reports.) Among those arrested were Pastor Li Jie, Han Xiaodong and Wang Qiang.

Since Wang had been released in September 2024, after serving a two-year prison sentence, he was present on April 19th to welcome the release of Pastor Li and Han following the completion of their respective sentences. According to reports, the release process for each of these believers proceeded relatively smoothly, and they were not required to sign any documents that compromised their faith principles. Staff from the judicial bureau were said to be friendly and even volunteered to assist in taking commemorative photographs. Family members added that, although their loved ones had been physically imprisoned, their spirits remained free through their steadfast faith in Christ.

Despite this encouraging news, the persecution of Christians in China remains ongoing. Believers continue to face pressure to conform to the requirements of the Chinese Communist Party, placing significant strains on the ability to freely live out their faith. For additional reports addressing persecution in China, visit our country profile.

Pray for Pastor Li, Han, Wang and their families as they adjust to life beyond imprisonment, asking the Lord to restore their strength, grant them healing, and guide their next steps through the restorative process.
Remember our Christian brothers and sisters throughout China whose lives and religious freedoms are continually at risk because of their commitment to Christ.
Lift up believers throughout this East Asian nation who are presently imprisoned for their faith, praying that they too would be further encouraged by God's presence, sustained by their eternal hope in Him, and given opportunities to rejoice and share the Gospel in the midst of their challenging circumstances.

Current Ministry Projects
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada continues to help distribute Bibles to Christians in the country, making it possible for them to have their own printed version of God's Word. Additionally, VOMC works with various mission partners to facilitate a Biblical understanding of persecution and discipleship, while presenting ways to effectively respond and minister within the context of hostility.

Project Funds: Underground Church, Bible, Relief & Development
Country Information
Population
1,413,142,846 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Han Chinese (91.1), ethnic minorities (8.9 - includes Zhang, Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) (2021 est.)

Religion (%)
Folk religion (21.9), Buddhist (18.2), Christian (5.1), Muslim (1.8), Hindu (< 0.1), Jewish (< 0.1), other (0.7 - includes Daoist [Taoist]), unaffiliated (52.1) (2021 est.)

Leader
President Xi Jinping (2013)

Government type
Communist party-led state

Legal system
Based on civil law system; influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law systems

Sources: CIA World Factbook
Pray for China
Pray that the Gospel will be proclaimed throughout China without government interference so many more names can be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life." May there also be a spirit of unity demonstrated among the country's growing churches, further strengthening existing believers and spurring them on in their ministry service and evangelistic outreach within the country's numerous communities.

China News

Christian Leaders Released from Prison

Church leaders in front of a banner stating,
”Dad, welcome home.”
Photo: ChinaAid

In August 2022, police raided a family camp run by the Linfen Covenant House Church, resulting in numerous arrests and the closure of both the church and its affiliated school. (For additional details, see these reports.) Among those arrested were Pastor Li Jie, Han Xiaodong and Wang Qiang.

Read more...
Church Elder Released After Five Years' Imprisonment

Elder Zhang Chunlei
Photo: ChinaAid

Zhang Chunlei is an elder with the Ren'ai Reformed Church in Guiyang, China. Following his arrest in March 2021, he was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly "inciting subversion of state power." The Christian leader also received accusations of fraud relating to the receipt of church offerings – a charge commonly used to suppress unregistered congregations. Fellow believers describe the elder as a "gentle, yet firm spiritual leader."

Read more...
New Policy Restricts Travel for Clergy Members

A passport and travel pass in China.

Religious rights advocates are raising serious concerns regarding the increased level of control that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is presently exerting over the Roman Catholic church in China. As a result of a 2018 agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese government, state officials have already been given the authority to appoint bishops – ensuring that the church's leadership remains amenable towards the policies of the CCP.

Read more...
Outcomes for Recently Arrested Believers

Six of the detainees.
Photos: ChinaAid

On January 6th, seven members of the Early Rain Covenant Church were arrested, marking another development in the ongoing campaign against this unregistered congregation. (Previously published details relating to the arrests are available here.)

In a recent update, it was confirmed that three of the detained believers have been released on bail pending trial. One of the Christians, Liang Zhongyuan, was released on February 5th but remains under surveillance at a relative's home in Chengdu. Zhang Xinjue, the wife of Elder Li Yingqiang, was released on February 6th, along with Brother Lin.

Read more...