Multiple Church Raids and Closures

China Aid, VOM Korea 04 July 2019

Police Raid - Photo: VOM Korea www.vomkorea.com — Photo: VOM Korea

Opposition to unregistered house churches in China has increased significantly, with multiple raids and closures in recent days. Officials in Xiamen have stated their intent to shut down all house churches within the city over the next two years, which is only one small part of a nationwide campaign.

On June 13th, Xiamen police burst into the Xinzao Church during a Bible study. Those attending were filmed and at least 30 believers, along with the minister, were taken away and released several hours later. On June 16th, the Xunsiding Church in Xiamen was also raided. Police confiscated cell phones to prevent anyone from recording the attack. The same day, authorities marched into the Taiyun Cornerstone Church in Shanxi. Worshippers were hauled away and the building was closed.

Raids continued on June 26th when police entered the Morningstar Church in Beihai, detaining many of the Christians present and confiscating cell phones. On June 29th, authorities also banned the Dao En Presbyterian Church in Xuzhou. No further details on these two most recent attacks are available at this time.

For those released after detainment, there is not always the freedom promised. On June 13th, it was reported that Jiang Rong, the wife of Pastor Wang Yi, had finally been released on bail following several months in prison (see this report). However, despite being released on bail, she is under "residential surveillance" at the home of one of her brothers and not allowed any visitors other than the members of her biological family.

Uphold the many believers affected by these church raids and closures due to the increase of government crackdowns taking place across China. Pray for God to grant His people wisdom and protection as they seek ways to gather together for worship and teaching. Intercede for the freedom of those in detention, whether it be in prisons or homes. May the eyes of the Chinese leaders be opened spiritually so they can see the futility of trying to shut down the church of our Risen Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18).

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

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