04/24/2019 China (International Christian Concern) – Several detained members of Sichuan’s Early Rain Covenant Church (ERCC) have been released in the past few days, according to their family members.
On December 9, 2018, more than dozens from the well-known Sichuan house church were taken away by the police and criminally charged under different “crimes.” The majority of these detainees are leaders or active staff. Their family members have been banned from visiting them, and some still do not know the whereabouts of their loved ones, as local authorities refused to tell them.
Elder Su Bingsen was forcibly returned to his hometown in Xiamen last week, accompanied by public security bureau personnel, after staying behind bars for more than four months. The authorities did so to prevent him from returning to his church and lead the congregation. His wife and children who live in Sichuan, which is 950 miles away, had to find a way to reunite with him.
Professor Shen Bing was detained in March for 30 days for writing a response to ERCC pastor Wang Yi’s sermon. He was released over the weekend. His wife Li Xiaofeng, however, is still under police custody.
The family of deacon Ge Yingfeng also received notice from the police that Ge would be released soon. His wife remains hopeful and looks forward to the day of his return.
Pastor Wang Yi, his wife Jiang Rong, and six other ERCC members are still being detained as of today.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
