An influential Protestant church in China says prominent leaders have been arrested in what appears to be a growing crackdown on the underground church movement. Nine people were detained on Tuesday after police raided their homes and the church office in Chengdu, in central China, the Early Rain Covenant Church announced. Five had been released by Wednesday.
More than 1,000 miles away in Wenzhou, authorities began demolishing the Yayang Church building, as shown in video obtained by non-profit ChinaAid, which monitors religious persecution. This latest wave of arrests, following previous incidents last year, illustrates the Communist Party's efforts to extinguish churches that do not align with its ideology, according to Christian groups.
The BBC has contacted the Chinese embassy in the UK for comment; however, authorities have not made any statements regarding the recent arrests or the demolition in Wenzhou. China is known for promoting atheism and controlling religion, with reports indicating there may be around 44 million Christians in the country, although this number may not account for those attending underground churches.
The Communist Party has long pressured Christians to join only state-sanctioned churches led by government-approved pastors. However, Christian groups have noted an increase in the frequency and swiftness of arrests lately. Some church leaders reported that unauthorized leaders were being arrested without the warning or fines they might have faced in the past.
Just weeks ago, Li Yingqiang, the leader of Early Rain Covenant Church, mentioned sensing an impending crackdown on churches, expressing hope for the safety of families involved. With Li and his wife among the detained, the church described the arrests as a coordinated operation but lacked clarity on the charges.
Meanwhile, in Wenzhou, local authorities took drastic measures to demolish parts of the Yayang Church's building, with heavy machinery and a significant police presence noted. This city, often referred to as 'the Jerusalem of China,' has a notably high population of Christians. The demolition efforts have caused concern among residents, with reports of coercive measures taken against those capturing footage of the events.
The ongoing governmental pressure amplifies concerns over China's stance on religious freedoms, particularly under Xi Jinping's administration, which has sought to tighten control over religious practices in the name of conformity to Chinese culture and ideologies. As international observers call upon China to respect religious freedoms, the future for underground churches remains precarious.
More than 1,000 miles away in Wenzhou, authorities began demolishing the Yayang Church building, as shown in video obtained by non-profit ChinaAid, which monitors religious persecution. This latest wave of arrests, following previous incidents last year, illustrates the Communist Party's efforts to extinguish churches that do not align with its ideology, according to Christian groups.
The BBC has contacted the Chinese embassy in the UK for comment; however, authorities have not made any statements regarding the recent arrests or the demolition in Wenzhou. China is known for promoting atheism and controlling religion, with reports indicating there may be around 44 million Christians in the country, although this number may not account for those attending underground churches.
The Communist Party has long pressured Christians to join only state-sanctioned churches led by government-approved pastors. However, Christian groups have noted an increase in the frequency and swiftness of arrests lately. Some church leaders reported that unauthorized leaders were being arrested without the warning or fines they might have faced in the past.
Just weeks ago, Li Yingqiang, the leader of Early Rain Covenant Church, mentioned sensing an impending crackdown on churches, expressing hope for the safety of families involved. With Li and his wife among the detained, the church described the arrests as a coordinated operation but lacked clarity on the charges.
Meanwhile, in Wenzhou, local authorities took drastic measures to demolish parts of the Yayang Church's building, with heavy machinery and a significant police presence noted. This city, often referred to as 'the Jerusalem of China,' has a notably high population of Christians. The demolition efforts have caused concern among residents, with reports of coercive measures taken against those capturing footage of the events.
The ongoing governmental pressure amplifies concerns over China's stance on religious freedoms, particularly under Xi Jinping's administration, which has sought to tighten control over religious practices in the name of conformity to Chinese culture and ideologies. As international observers call upon China to respect religious freedoms, the future for underground churches remains precarious.
