Increased Challenges for House Churches

Elder You Guanhui preaching
Elder You Guanhui
Photo: ChinaAid

Recent raids on house churches in China have raised concerns, for these incidents could signify a shift in governmental policy – possibly connected to the upcoming presidential election. It's estimated that about 80 percent of the persecution presently taking place in China is being directed towards unauthorized house churches. To learn more about the repeated harassment committed by authorities against China's Christians, go to our country report.

On August 14th, a branch of the Beijing Zion Church was raided by government agents. Along with confiscating two computers, nine adults and two children were taken into custody, including Pastor Yang Jun. Later that evening, all but Pastor Yang and another leading member of the church, Zong Fangfang, were released. While the pastor was discharged the next day, Zong's release took place on August 18th.

A few days earlier, Elder You Guanhui of the Beijing Shouwang Church found himself unable to leave his home, due to the detainment forced upon him by local authorities. On that same day, August 11th, three other church members were taken to the local police station for questioning and then released.

The Beijing Shouwang Church has been a target of the authorities for its refusal to join the government-sanctioned Three-Self Church. Regularly forced from their place of meeting, it was decided in 2011 that the church will only conduct outdoor meetings. On August 7th, they held their 592nd outdoor worship service. For previously posted information reporting on the opposition experienced by this church, visit this page.

The Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu is yet another church that has been subjected to repeated raids and harassment. The many challenges these believers have endured include the arrest of their church leader, Pastor Wang Yi, who is presently serving a nine-year prison sentence (read more). Despite the opposition, this church faithfully continues to meet in various locations whenever possible. On August 14th, a gathering of 50 to 60 believers at a tea house was raided by up to 30 police officers. All those attending were eventually permitted to leave, but only after registering with the police.

Another unregistered house church experiencing opposition from government officials is the Wang Family Wedding Church in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai. Founded in 2006, the congregation grew to approximately 1,500 members. When it was raided in 2016, various members were fined. The pastor and her husband, along with a fellow church staff member, were arrested but released after receiving fines. In 2021, authorities again imposed monetary penalties against the three leaders, this time totalling 36 million yuan (the equivalent of over $6.8 million CAD). These exorbitant fines have been appealed but, on July 7th, a letter was sent by officials demanding payment.

Pray for the members of these mentioned churches, and the many others in China who are experiencing ongoing oppression from governing authorities. May the presence of God be especially real to each one of them, including those who've been imprisoned or are facing penalties/restrictions due to their steadfast commitment to Christ. As they determine how to appropriately respond to any given situation, may they receive the necessary direction and provision – keenly aware that their Christian witness may be the means through which their persecutors ultimately discover the reality of Christ.

  • 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

  • Chen Wensheng Sentenced to 19 Months
    Chen Wensheng is smiling.
    Chen Wensheng
    Photo: ChinaAid

    Chen Wensheng is no stranger to arrests and police intimidation. A radically reformed former drug addict, the Christian evangelist has travelled throughout China to share his testimony, gaining the nickname of "Gospel Warrior." (See these other reports about this faithful believer.)

  • New Health Concerns for Elder Zhang Chunlei
    Zhang Chunlei with his wife
    Elder Zhang Chunlei and his wife
    Photo: ChinaAid

    Zhang Chunlei is an elder with the Ren'ai Reformed Church in Guiyang, China. He was detained in March 2021 and remained in detention without charge until his trial in November 2022, when he was accused of "inciting subversion of state power." The trial was held in secret, without any witnesses, and a verdict has never been announced since then. In the meantime, Elder Zhang continues to remain imprisoned. (Review previously published reports about this church leader's case.)

  • Persistent Harassment Against Church Deacons
    Ding Shuqi and Jia Xuewei
    Jia Xuewei (right) with his friend, Ding Shuqi
    Photo: ChinaAid

    In 2018, the Early Rain Covenant Church was violently raided by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities, resulting in multiple arrests. Since then, members of the church have continued to face harassment, including a church deacon named Jia Xuewei. Click here for previous reports on Jia's situation.

  • High Security for Trial
    Chen Wensheng is smiling.
    Evangelist Chen Wensheng
    Photo: ChinaAid

    The case of Chen Wensheng was heard by the Hengyang City Shigu District People's Court on April 18th. However, when Chen's relatives and friends arrived that morning to attend the trial, they found about 40 black-clad special force officers guarding the entrance of the court building. In addition, the entire street was blocked off under the pretext of performing a "drill" so that any supporters could be prevented from attending the trial. Despite aggressive actions by the police, Chen's supporters are reported to have demonstrated "patience and calmness."