12/24/2018 China (International Christian Concern) – It has become the most challenging Christmas for Autumn Rain Covenant Church (officially translated as “Early Rain Covenant Church”) this year. With 16 members criminally detained, four under administrative detention, five missing, more than 150 interrogated by the police, and nearly 700 members closely monitored by the authorities, this Sichuan house church is experiencing a systematic crackdown by the state.
Those detained have been denied access to their lawyers, some who were released recounted how they were beaten and mistreated during detention. Pastor Wang Yi is believed to be transferred to Beijing for his ‘inciting subversion of state power’ charges, while his wife’s whereabouts is yet unknown.
The authorities raided the church’s main hall, library, classrooms and its seminary and took away all the equipment and property that belong to the church.
Despite the crackdown, the threats and risks faced by members who continue to hold small groups and Bible study at their homes, the church is determined to not give up meeting together.
For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
