In brief
The Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu has reported the arrest of nine prominent leaders in what appears to be a severe crackdown on underground Christian movements in China. This follows ongoing efforts by the Communist Party to suppress religious practices that deviate from state-sanctioned ideologies. Meanwhile, the Yayang Church's building in Wenzhou has begun demolition, underscoring the government's determination to eradicate independent churches. Observers express concern over the increasingly swift actions against unauthorized church leaders and the tightening grip on religious freedom under Xi Jinping.
An influential Protestant church in China has reported that several prominent leaders have been detained amidst a growing crackdown on the underground church movement.
Nine individuals were arrested on Tuesday following police raids on their homes and the church office of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, central China. By Wednesday, five of those detained had been released.
Farther away in Wenzhou, videos shared by ChinaAid, a non-profit organization that tracks religious persecution in China, show local authorities commencing the demolition of the Yayang Church building.
This wave of arrests, coupled with previous crackdowns last year, reflects the Communist Party's ongoing efforts to extinguish churches that do not align with state ideologies, according to Christian advocacy groups.
The BBC has reached out to China's embassy in the UK for comments, but no official statements have been made regarding the arrests or the ongoing demolitions at the Yayang Church.
Chinese authorities enforce strict controls on religious expressions, promoting atheism while claiming there are approximately 44 million Christians in the country, a number that may exclude many who attend underground religious services.
Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the government has reinforced its pressure on Christians to join only state-sanctioned churches led by approved pastors. However, Christian groups have noted a marked increase in arrests and other swift punitive measures against those running unauthorized congregations.
In December, around 100 members of the Yayang Church were apprehended over five days, and at least 24 remain in custody, according to Human Rights Watch. The rise in detentions and the destruction of church property signals a concerted push against unauthorised religious assemblies.
Li Yingqiang, the current leader of the Early Rain Covenant Church, recently warned congregation members of an impending crackdown, urging them to prepare themselves spiritually for the difficult times that lie ahead. The ongoing situation around the church is fluid, with constant updates being communicated to its members.
As concerns over religious freedoms continue to mount within China, observers urge international actors to advocate for the release of those arrested and to push for the respect of religious liberties throughout the country. Xi Jinping's government has notably escalated its ideological controls since 2015, mandating that religious practices conform to Chinese cultural values.
