More than 30 members of a house church in China were arrested during a church service last month, with two church leaders later detained for two weeks without formal charges, according to Christian persecution charity Open Doors.
Believers at Early Rain Covenant Church in Jiangyou City, Sichuan Province, were gathered for worship on 14 June when dozens of police officers and government officials arrived and required attendees to register their identities, Open Doors reported.
Church members were then taken away in groups for questioning. Most were released later the same day, although two leaders remained in detention for a further two weeks.
“The gatherings of the Early Rain Covenant Church have been attacked several times because the church has drawn the attention of the authorities for many years, beginning in 2019,” Caleb*, a country researcher who also supports persecuted Christians, told Open Doors.
“In recent years, the authorities have increasingly tightened their scrutiny of all house churches across the country, which are unregistered and considered illegal by the government.”
House churches in China operate outside the state-approved religious system and have faced increasing restrictions in recent years.
Open Doors said revised religious regulations introduced in 2019, as well as the implementation of an “Online Code of Conduct for Religious Professionals” last September, have contributed to increasing pressure on house churches by restricting religious activity and limiting the online distribution of religious content to state-approved channels.
According to the charity, enforcement varies across the country, but pressure on house churches has increased in many regions.
“Our area has launched reward-based reporting by the authorities,” said Jacob*, a local ministry partner in central China.
“One house church was reported, and the pastor has been under detention for 15 days on the charge of organising illegal gatherings. The authorities mobilised the masses to suppress house churches. At present, the churches in our area are under great pressure.”
Open Doors said some church leaders have faced detention, fines and prison sentences, while other congregations have been forced to meet in secret to avoid scrutiny.
The charity said the pressure has left many believers isolated from regular fellowship and discipleship opportunities.
“Your visits help me realise that the Lord has not forgotten me,” said Jinyi*, whose house church was forced to close following a raid.
“I am deeply grateful for your support and encouragement, which have made me feel less alone and less afraid.”
*Names have been changed for security reasons.
