More than 70 detained in crackdown on churches in eastern China

Please pray – a police operation has led to the arrest of more than 70 people, and Ming (who you might remember from our Digital Persecution campaign) has gone missing.

More than 70 people have been arrested and interrogated by the authorities in a major crackdown on church activities in east China.

Pastors, other Christians and people exploring faith were detained during church gatherings, with others picked up from their homes or workplaces. It was part of a sweeping operation that begun two months ago, involving up to 400 police officers and some 200 vehicles, aimed at targeting Christians involved in Bible study groups.

Those arrested were questioned about their finances and denominational affiliations. More than 20 people have since been fined, with penalties ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of Chinese Yuan. According to Open Doors sources, the fines appear to be tied to financial offerings given to the church and so-called ‘illegal’ Bible study groups.

Another Christian group in the same region was also put through interrogations and given warnings.

What’s behind the crackdown?

“Due to the recent crackdown, our church has come to a standstill,” says Jason*, a local partner. “Some have left the church, while several others are on the verge of losing their faith. The number of full-time ministry workers has dropped from six to just one, as the rest have stepped down from their positions and are now seeking employment elsewhere. More than 80 groups within the house church movement have ceased meeting. Of the original 14 churches, only a few remain.”

Jason says the reasons behind the crackdown are unclear, but added, “It’s possible the churches were reported as heretical or betrayed by an informant within the church, or they could be suspected of having foreign ties. But this is all just speculation.”

“We have not seen such a massive force used to address church-related matters – this is something that warrants serious attention,” adds another local partner.

Threat of Christianity

China is number 15 on the World Watch List, with Christianity seen as a potential enemy by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The authorities are intensifying surveillance and control of state-approved churches (Three-Self Patriotic Movement and Catholic Patriotic Association), ensuring they align with Communist values and ideology. Many are even being closed. The scrutiny forces many believers to meet in house churches but, as this crackdown shows, that can expose them to even greater dangers.

In recent years, arrests come with accusations of ‘fraud’, ‘running an illegal business’ or ‘organising illegal meetings’.

Ming is missing

In further concerning news from China, you might remember Ming*, whose story of digital persecution we shared in 2023. He’s constantly monitored by the authorities as he boldly lives out his faith. This week, he has gone missing.

“I’ve had no news from him for quite a few days,” says Hollace*, a local partner. “This has happened before – every time I can’t reach him, it turns out he’s been detained.”

He added, “Recently, Ming was detained for a few days for leading a small gospel gathering. During his time in detention, he barely slept and suffered severe beatings from the police. He was threatened by the authorities not to attend the gatherings again.”

Please pray

Please pray for Ming and all those affected by this recent crackdown, and for other believers in China who are coming under intense scrutiny from the authorities. Thank you.

*Names changed for security reasons