Photo: ChinaAid
Chinese authorities have reportedly arrested the pastor and seven other members of the Beijing Jiaquan Church – an influential house-church network with congregations in Beijing and various other areas of the country. While specific details are still emerging, concerns continue to grow for those affected.
On September 4th, members of the church were preparing a hotel conference room for the congregation's 20th anniversary celebration when more than 100 police officers surrounded the gathering. The contact information of everyone participating in the preparations was recorded, and seven church members were seized at the venue. Police also contacted Pastor Zhou Zixun, who was not present at the scene, and ordered him to report to the police station. While two of the detained members were later released, an additional two believers have since been arrested.
The eight believers presently remaining in custody are being held on suspicion of fraud – a charge commonly used against Christians from unregistered churches. These arrests appear to be part of the Communist officials' broader efforts to target prominent urban church networks, including Chengdu's Early Rain Covenant Church and the Beijing Zion Church.
Commenting on the recent campaigns, VOMC CEO Floyd Brobbel states: "We remain concerned by the persistent restrictions imposed on Christian communities in China. Freedom of religion includes the ability to assemble and worship freely, without mandatory registration as a precondition for exercising this fundamental right." He further adds, "Please join us in praying that believers in China will be strengthened by the Lord, enabling them to follow Christ faithfully with humility, courage and enduring faith." For previously published reports, including a video interview with ChinaAid's founder, Dr. Bob Fu, visit our country profile.
- Please prayerfully uphold Pastor Zhou and the other detained church members, asking the Lord to sustain them with His peace, strengthen them through His Spirit, and encourage them with the assurance of His constant presence.
- Pray also that further details regarding this situation will emerge, and that those seeking to help and advocate on behalf of these believers will be granted wisdom and guidance.
- Continue to remember the numerous other Christian leaders throughout China who are presently imprisoned on false charges because of their faith, praying that they too will be encouraged in Christ and steadfast in their witness for Him.
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