Beijing's Crackdown: Underground Church Leaders Detained

International International News

Posted by AI on 2026-01-11 19:28:07 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-10 07:35:35

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In a recent development, China's crackdown on unregistered religious groups has intensified with the detention of eight members of the Early Rain Covenant Church, including four prominent leaders. This incident has raised concerns about religious freedom and human rights in the country.

The Sichuan-based church, known for its bold stance against state control, has been a target for authorities since 2018 when a sweeping campaign was launched to 'sinicize' Christianity. The latest detentions occurred on December 8, 2023, when the church's pastor, Li Yingqiang, his wife Zhang Xinyue, and two other leaders, Dai Zhichao and Ye Fenghua, were taken into custody. The church members were gathered for a meeting when authorities stormed the venue, disrupting the proceedings and detaining the leaders without any apparent cause.

This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing crackdown on independent Christian groups in China. The Early Rain Covenant Church has been a symbol of resistance, openly challenging the government's efforts to regulate and control religious practices. Founded by Pastor Li in 2004, the church has consistently refused to register with the government-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement, a requirement for all religious groups in China. This refusal has led to repeated clashes with authorities, including the detention of Pastor Li in 2018 and the forced closure of the church's physical location.

The recent detentions have sparked international concern, with human rights organizations calling for the immediate release of the church leaders. The crackdown on unregistered churches is seen as part of a broader effort to tighten control over society, as the Chinese government seeks to align religious beliefs with the country's socialist values and principles. The fate of the detained church leaders remains uncertain, but their case highlights the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and the challenges faced by independent faith communities in China.

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