China

How are Christians persecuted in China?

• Christianity is seen as a threat by the Chinese authorities, so Christians here face close monitoring and tight controls.
• There are registered churches in China, falling under either the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPA) or the Catholic Patriotic Association (CPA), but these are closely overseen by the State who monitor what is preached and who is there.

• Many churches decide not to register, and instead meet underground as house churches. But these churches face raids, fines, arrests, imprisonments and the confiscation of materials. Lan* and her husband Qian* lead a house church that has been repeatedly raided by the authorities. She says, “My husband is under government surveillance. I do feel afraid at times. But if the day comes when he’s taken away… I ask God for the courage to stand firm.”
• Under-18s are not permitted to attend church.
• In areas that are traditionally Muslim or Buddhist, new Christians can face threats and even physical harm from their family and community, on top of persecution from the state.

• Despite the challenges, many of China’s Christians are boldly continuing to share their faith. Brother Kai* says, “Sharing the gospel is our calling. Some of us have written farewell letters, prepared for prison. We’ve chosen to follow Christ through any storm, while shepherding wisely, caring for the weak, protecting them and strengthening their faith.”

Why are Christians persecuted in China?

• The Chinese authorities want all of their citizens to follow their Communist ideologies. Efforts to control churches (and other religious groups) are an attempt to align religious doctrine with Communist ideology.

Who is particularly vulnerable in China?

• Those involved in house churches are especially susceptible to hostility, particularly church leaders.
• Believers from Muslim and Buddhist backgrounds can face persecution from both their communities and the state, making them particularly vulnerable to persecution.

What has changed in China in the past year?

• Despite dropping two places on the World Watch List, the hostility experienced by many believers in the country has increased marginally.

• There was a renewed crackdown on house church activities towards the end of last year. Zion Church, one of the most influential house church movements in China, was amongst those targeted, with 38 people arrested in a series of coordinated raids. “Zion Church was deliberately targeted to send a chilling message to others, to intimidate the broader Christian community,” explains Juliana*, a local partner.
• The crackdown appears to be linked to the ‘Online Code of Conduct for Religious Professionals’, implemented in September 2025, which restricts religious content online unless it’s disseminated through state-approved channels.
• Meanwhile, laws banning the involvement of children in church activities are increasingly impacting on efforts to disciple and reach out to young people.

How can I help Christians in China?

Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in China. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.

Open Doors partners support persecuted Christians in China in various ways, including practical support, the provision of literature and discipleship training.

*Names changed for security reasons