In early May, six Christians were arrested in Kaili, a city located within China's Guizhou province. Authorities accused the believers of fraud and "organizing minors to engage in activities undermining public order." The alleged "crime" leading to these charges was hosting a children's Sunday school program and allowing families to worship together as a church.
The six church leaders – five men and one woman – have now been formally charged. Yet, legal experts raised concerns about the nature of these accusations, noting that such charges are typically associated with inciting youth to engage in criminal behaviours, such as theft or violence. The detained Christians remain in custody as their family members arrange legal representation on their behalf.
Although Chinese regulations restrict minors from entering churches, informal religious activities involving children and their parents are generally considered outside the scope of these laws. For further information on the persecution of our Christian family in China, visit our country profile.
- Please uphold these believers in prayer, asking the Lord to surround them and their children with His peace, strength and comfort during this time of difficulty and uncertainty.
- Pray that God will provide wise and capable legal counsel for the accused church leaders, and that all the charges against them would be dismissed.
- In general, prayerfully remember our other Christian brothers and sisters throughout China who are likewise endeavouring to faithfully disciple the next generation amid ongoing restrictions, asking that they too would be encouraged, protected and unwavering in their devotion to Christ.
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