Two recently received reports indicate the ongoing coordinated opposition that members of unregistered house churches are facing throughout China. Since the groups are considered illegal, the authorities have tried using fines and arrests, along with threats and intimidation tactics, in their attempts to shut down the organizations.
For the All Ranges Church, two particular cases have been highlighted. In 2023, 20 pastors and church members were arrested by Public Security Bureau officials in Suizhou, Hubei Province. In September 2024, nine of the members were formally indicted. The Christians' "crimes" include providing a meeting space to hold worship gatherings, encouraging congregants to tithe, and teaching potential lay leaders how to host ministry-related gatherings for Christian youth.
In Nyingchi City, Tibet, ten members of the All Ranges Church were charged on December 25th, 2024, due to their alleged illegal business activities and missionary work. These believers have been accused of using medical clinics and childcare services to spread so-called "heretical fallacies."
A similar crackdown has been launched against the Living Spring church and its leaders. The municipal government of Hotan, Xinjiang, imposed penalties on March 24th and banned the Christians from conducting all religious activities. The members of the church, which was established in 2020, had been meeting regularly in residential communities, parks and private homes for prayer and worship. However, since these activities were not previously approved by the government, the authorities have deemed them illegal. As a result, exorbitant fines have been issued which far exceed the ability of the church to pay.
While Christians belonging to unregistered churches throughout China face increasing pressures, those in the region of Xinjiang are subjected to particularly extreme restrictions and intense scrutiny from officials of the Chinese Communist Party. For more details on the difficulties being encountered by Chinese Christians, go to our country report.
- Prayerfully remember the members and leaders of these oppressed churches, along with those of the many other unregistered fellowships throughout China, as they faithfully seek to spread the message of the Gospel in the midst of hostility.
- In particular, please pray for Christians residing in the region of Xinjiang, asking that these believers would not be intimidated by the government's stringent policies but rather emboldened to remain steadfast in their faith.
- Pray for radical changes to take place in the hearts of Chinese Communist Party leaders, bringing about increased freedoms throughout the country for our Christian brothers and sisters.
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