Chinese authorities have formally arrested 18 leaders of an underground church, clearing the way for their prosecution and potential prison sentences of up to three years. This marks the largest crackdown on Chinese Christians in seven years, prompting international condemnation and raising concerns about religious freedoms and government control over faith.
According to Reuters, which reported the arrests Wednesday citing a Christian NGO advocate, nearly 30 pastors and staff members belonging to Zion Church were detained by police in mid-October. The incident has drawn significant attention, as it represents one of the most severe religious crackdowns in China in recent years. ChinaAid, a Christian non-profit human rights organization, stated that the leaders were arrested on politically motivated charges, framing the arrests as a direct response to the church’s refusal to accept CCP oversight.
Dr. Bob Fu, the founder and president of ChinaAid, called the arrests a ‘chilling milestone’ in the CCP’s ongoing war on Christianity in China. He emphasized that the only ‘crime’ committed by these individuals was preaching the Gospel, shepherding God’s flock, and resisting the Party’s attempt to turn the Church into a propaganda tool. By labeling these pastors as political prisoners, the CCP is not only targeting the individuals but also sending a clear message to all independent churches in China: comply with Party control or face the consequences.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly condemned the detentions of the Zion Church members, urging the Chinese government to release them. His comments reflect broader international concern over religious persecution in China, with several foreign governments and human rights groups expressing similar criticisms. Open Doors, an international organization that supports persecuted believers, estimates that over 96 million Christians live in China, highlighting the scale of the religious community and the significance of the current crackdown.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the treatment of religious minorities in China, with many calling for greater transparency and protection of religious freedoms. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between the Chinese government’s efforts to control religious activities and the rights of individuals to worship freely, a debate that continues to shape both internal and international narratives on religious liberty in China.