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Linfen Covenant House Church

  • Church and Associated School Officially Closed
    Three adults and a child using a chalkboard in the corner of a room.
    Inside the Linfen Covenant House Church.
    Photo: ChinaAid

    The Linfen Covenant House Church has experienced ongoing legal challenges, many of which arose after police officers raided a family camp in August 2022. Two preachers from the church were arrested for alleged fraud and, more recently, two other church workers were suddenly detained without notice (see this page for more information).
  • Additional Arrests Involving Members of Linfen Church
    Three adults and a child inside a building, using a chalkboard.
    Inside the Linfen Covenant House Church.
    Photo: ChinaAid

    On August 19th, a family camp run by the Linfen Covenant House Church was raided by police, leading to the arrest of two preachers. (Read more.)Since their arrest, members of the church have faced severe pressure from governing authorities to corroborate the charges of "fraud" against the two men. The congregants were also pressured to pledge that they will never attend the church again. Most refused but, after intense coercion from members of their workplace and family, some were forced to sign statements claiming that they were "victims" of the alleged fraud.
  • Two Preachers Arrested for Alleged Fraud
    Three adults and a child inside a building, using a chalkboard.
    Inside the Linfen Covenant House Church.
    Photo: ChinaAid

    On August 19th, 70 members of the Linfen Covenant House Church were enjoying an outdoor family camp when more than 100 police officers suddenly appeared, taking everyone into custody, before they were eventually released. Preacher Li Jie and Preacher Han Xiaodong were detained on suspicion of fraud a few days later. Formal notice of the charges was presented to their wives on September 23rd. Li Jie's wife, Li Shanshan, had also been arrested but was released on bail September 6th and reunited with their two children.