New Law Poses Further Risks to Religious Freedom

WEA Religious Liberty Commission, China Aid, Release International 03 September 2015

The Chinese Communist Party
brings in more restrictions with
its new National Security Law.
Photo: Haha169 (cc)

Since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) passed its new National Security Law on July 1st, watchdog groups have warned that it can limit the freedoms of Christians and human rights lawyers in mainland China and neighbouring countries -- including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. China Aid warns that the laws use "intentionally vague" wording to target "perceived threats to national security," including "foreign influences" and those they deem as "cults."

A major concern is the increased imprisonment of Christians and human rights lawyers. Within a 10-day period after the law was enacted, more than 230 prominent human rights lawyers were harassed and imprisoned. Human Rights Watch stated that the risk of torture is high. It is understood that many Christian leaders are still in detention, including Pastor Zhang Shaojie, church leader Ms. Yang Rongli, and house church leader Alimujiang Yimiti. These Christians and others had been arrested for protesting the illegal acquisition of church land, denouncing the "cult" label, and their refusal to remove crosses from church premises. For more information and previous reports on persecution in China, go to our China Country Report.

On July 14th, amid the massive nationwide crackdown on human rights lawyers, a group of Christian attorneys announced the formation of the "Lawyers for Protection of the Cross" group. These lawyers have declared their willingness to pay any price for their beliefs.

Let's uphold these Christian lawyers who are willing to take a stand for their convictions and the cause of true justice, regardless of the cost. May they be granted wisdom, strength and grace from on high as they present their cases before mere human authorities, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty over all and His power to intervene. Also remember to lift up the many other Christians in China who are affected by this new law, asking that they be encouraged to continue trusting the Lord during such challenging times. In fact, may they be mightily used to accomplish His higher purposes by bringing about justice in the judicial and penal systems and, more importantly, furthering the cause 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

Coordinated Arrests Against Church Leaders

Pastor Jin Mingri (second from right).
Photo: ChinaAid

Under the leadership of Pastor Jin Mingri, Beijing Zion Church has grown into one of the largest unregistered churches in China. In addition to having several satellite campuses, the church draws more than 1,000 attendees to its Sunday services each weekend.

Read more...
Suspended Sentences Revoked for Two Believers

Elder Xue Shaoqiang and Sister
Wan Chunqin with some friends.
Photo: ChinaAid

In 2023, Elder Xue Shaoqiang and Sister Wan Chunqin of the Bengbu Living Stone Reformed Church were arrested on accusations of "fraud" – a charge frequently used by Chinese authorities to target members of unapproved churches. The believers were sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by a four-year suspended sentence. After their release on January 8th, 2025, both Christians were subjected to strict conditions. However, upon allegedly failing to comply with what they described as "excessively harsh and unreasonable" measures, their suspended sentences were revoked.

Read more...
House Church Bible Study Gathering Raided

One of the church members being interrogated by police.
Photo: ChinaAid

Several Christians were gathered on the morning of August 22nd for a Bible study at the Beijing Holy Love Fellowship church when multiple police officers suddenly entered the facility. After demanding to see the believers' identification cards, the authorities recorded the personal details of all those who were present. At the time of publishing this report, no official statement or charges have been issued by the Beijing police.

Read more...
Pastor Arrested for "Illegal Business Operations"

Pastor Huang Yizi
Photo: ChinaAid

Pastor Huang Yizi, a prominent church leader in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, was informed on July 30th that he had been formally charged with "illegal business practices" relating to the distribution of sermon recordings. The Christian leader and several other church members were initially taken into custody on June 26th. At the time, the reason for their arrests was unclear. (A previously published report about the arrests is available here.) However, following the recent announcement of formal charges, further information has now come to light.

Read more...