China

Key Facts:
Leader: President Hu Jintao
Population: 1.3 billion (6% Christian)
Majority Religion: Traditional Chinese beliefs
Type of Government: Communist state

There is a degree of controlled freedom in official churches, but most Chinese believers belong to unregistered house churches, and are liable to fines, arrest, torture, labour camps and even death.

In 2006 there were fewer raids on house churches but more forced closures and demolitions than in 2005.

New tactics saw house-church leaders detained for longer, with church members freed after short interrogations: thus there were fewer arrests but there was greater pressure on leaders.

Prayer

• Praise God that the Church is growing – some estimate there are 20,000 new believers in China every day
• Pray for their protection from false teaching
• Pray that God will call, equip and strengthen more pastors, evangelists and Sunday School teachers
• Pray that the 2008 Olympic Games will bring greater freedom and opportunities for witness.