by Staff
January 5, 2011
(christiansunite.com) - Chinese authorities raided a house church worship service held by members of the Hope Church in the city of Changsha, Hunan Province, on December 12.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., dozens of believers were gathered for worship when police officers and government officials arrived on scene. The authorities forced the believers to disperse and confiscated several items belonging to the church, including the podium, chairs and air-conditioner. They also took into custody two of the believers -- Pastor Zing Jinfu and Minister Le -- who were taken to a local police station and questioned for a couple of hours.
It is not known if this raid was part of the nationwide "Operation Deterrence" campaign that the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party launched on December 1 against all house churches in the nation. Even if it was not officially part of this campaign, there is fear that local authorities could be increasing the frequency and severity of their moves against this church in the coming weeks in relation to the nationwide crackdown.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09848.shtml
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Friday, January 7, 2011
Friday, October 22, 2010
Church demolished, Bible study raided in China
by Staff
October 22, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Nearly 200 police officers demolished the prayer room of Taishan Christian Church in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, China on September 21 on the grounds of a "building code violation."
After the demolition, dozens of church members arrived on site and worshipped the Lord, reciting the Bible and singing hymns while the police officers tried to disperse them. A member of the church said a line of police prevented them from removing their belongings from the prayer room.
The attack was the second such incident in less than a month, as authorities previously destroyed prayer rooms on August 30. Commenting on the incidents, Pastor Zhu said, "The last time they came here, they tore down six of the eight rooms.... , about 200 people came again and surrounded the entire place. Then, they totally leveled the buildings, stating that the structures violated the building code."
On September 22, several believers were gathered for a Bible study and training session at Chen Pengyi Church in Wancheng District, Henan province when police raided the meeting. An American pastor, a Russian pastor and over 30 attendees, including local Christians, were detained. One believer's car was also confiscated. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09752.shtml
October 22, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Nearly 200 police officers demolished the prayer room of Taishan Christian Church in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, China on September 21 on the grounds of a "building code violation."
After the demolition, dozens of church members arrived on site and worshipped the Lord, reciting the Bible and singing hymns while the police officers tried to disperse them. A member of the church said a line of police prevented them from removing their belongings from the prayer room.
The attack was the second such incident in less than a month, as authorities previously destroyed prayer rooms on August 30. Commenting on the incidents, Pastor Zhu said, "The last time they came here, they tore down six of the eight rooms.... , about 200 people came again and surrounded the entire place. Then, they totally leveled the buildings, stating that the structures violated the building code."
On September 22, several believers were gathered for a Bible study and training session at Chen Pengyi Church in Wancheng District, Henan province when police raided the meeting. An American pastor, a Russian pastor and over 30 attendees, including local Christians, were detained. One believer's car was also confiscated. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09752.shtml
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Former Chinese Protest Leader Chai Ling Hails Nobel Peace Prize Award to Liu Xiaobo
by Staff
October 12, 2010
BOSTON, (christiansunite.com) -- Former 1989 student protest leader Chai Ling on Friday hailed the decision to award the 2010 Nobel Peace to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and called for prayers for his release from prison and for the salvation of China.
Chai, who was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, recalled the "bonding experience" of spending the last hours of the movement with Liu on the square in central Beijing.
"Liu Xiaobo and I were in the last group at Tiananmen when the tanks moved in. Together we stood our ground, advocating ... non-violence until the last hour," Ms. Chai said.
She applauded Liu's steadfast efforts in the 21 years since those protests were violently suppressed by the Chinese military. Liu was imprisoned after the 1989 crackdown, and was sentenced again in 2009 to 11 years in prison for co-authoring a declaration, called Charter 08, championing political reform, greater human rights, and an end to one-party rule in China.
Chai called the Nobel Committee's decision "a milestone" and said she was "thankful for the Nobel peace prize committee for finally standing up and doing the right thing to acknowledge heroes like Liu and what he represents." She expressed the hope that "the Western leadership would follow the Nobel Committee's example and stand up for human rights and the development of a civil society in China."
Chai in particular called on U.S. President Obama, the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner, "to step up the pressure on China" on human rights issues and for the release of Liu and Chinese Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has been repeatedly kidnapped, arrested, imprisoned and tortured by Chinese authorities for defending the persecuted.
Chai, who became a Christian almost a year ago, called on all Christians to pray for Liu and Gao's release and for "more people to join the movement to bring peace and salvation to China." She also asked Christians to remember the lives lost each day as a result of China's one-child policy, a death toll that far exceeds the number who died in the Tiananmen crackdown. In September, Chai founded the advocacy group All Girls Allowed to fight the one-child policy and to support women's and babies' rights.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09731.shtml
October 12, 2010
BOSTON, (christiansunite.com) -- Former 1989 student protest leader Chai Ling on Friday hailed the decision to award the 2010 Nobel Peace to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and called for prayers for his release from prison and for the salvation of China.
Chai, who was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, recalled the "bonding experience" of spending the last hours of the movement with Liu on the square in central Beijing.
"Liu Xiaobo and I were in the last group at Tiananmen when the tanks moved in. Together we stood our ground, advocating ... non-violence until the last hour," Ms. Chai said.
She applauded Liu's steadfast efforts in the 21 years since those protests were violently suppressed by the Chinese military. Liu was imprisoned after the 1989 crackdown, and was sentenced again in 2009 to 11 years in prison for co-authoring a declaration, called Charter 08, championing political reform, greater human rights, and an end to one-party rule in China.
Chai called the Nobel Committee's decision "a milestone" and said she was "thankful for the Nobel peace prize committee for finally standing up and doing the right thing to acknowledge heroes like Liu and what he represents." She expressed the hope that "the Western leadership would follow the Nobel Committee's example and stand up for human rights and the development of a civil society in China."
Chai in particular called on U.S. President Obama, the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner, "to step up the pressure on China" on human rights issues and for the release of Liu and Chinese Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has been repeatedly kidnapped, arrested, imprisoned and tortured by Chinese authorities for defending the persecuted.
Chai, who became a Christian almost a year ago, called on all Christians to pray for Liu and Gao's release and for "more people to join the movement to bring peace and salvation to China." She also asked Christians to remember the lives lost each day as a result of China's one-child policy, a death toll that far exceeds the number who died in the Tiananmen crackdown. In September, Chai founded the advocacy group All Girls Allowed to fight the one-child policy and to support women's and babies' rights.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09731.shtml
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Chinese church leaders threatened for mission conference
by Staff
September 21, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - At least three Chinese house churches were shut down on August 5 and 6. The churches were located in Wuhan, Hubei, in Sanmenxia, Henan, and in Changsha, Hunan. They belonged to China Gospel Fellowship, one of the major house church networks in China, with an estimated 5-7 million members.
The churches were forced to close down by the Chinese government because church leaders were invited to attend the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation in October 2010 at Cape Town, South Africa.
Sources informed ChinaAid that the Chinese Public Security Bureau has obtained the list of 200 Chinese invitees and threatened some of them not to attend, but CGF leaders refused to back down. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09693.shtml
September 21, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - At least three Chinese house churches were shut down on August 5 and 6. The churches were located in Wuhan, Hubei, in Sanmenxia, Henan, and in Changsha, Hunan. They belonged to China Gospel Fellowship, one of the major house church networks in China, with an estimated 5-7 million members.
The churches were forced to close down by the Chinese government because church leaders were invited to attend the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation in October 2010 at Cape Town, South Africa.
Sources informed ChinaAid that the Chinese Public Security Bureau has obtained the list of 200 Chinese invitees and threatened some of them not to attend, but CGF leaders refused to back down. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09693.shtml
Monday, September 6, 2010
Prayer Center Destroyed by Force, Church Leaders Threatened for Mission Conference Invitation
by Staff
ZHEJIANG, China, On August 30, 2010, several elderly Christians were disturbed during their morning prayers when authorities trooped into their mountainside prayer center. They were forcibly removed, and then watched helplessly as the building was demolished.
The police force, several hundred strong, removed about twenty elderly Christians from the building. No one seemed injured. Workmen proceeded to destroy the church's prayer room, school room, and training center rooms.
Known as "Prayer Mountain," the complex was owned by the Taishan Christian House Church (located in Qinggang District, Yuhuan county, Taizhou City, Zhejiang province). This incident comes on the heels of more recent persecution against house churches.
According to ChinaAid's reliable sources, at least three house churches were shut down August 5th and 6th, 2010. The churches were located in Wuhan, Hubei, in Sanmenxia, Henan and in Changsha, Hunan. They belonged to China Gospel Fellowship (CGF), one of the major house church networks in China, with an estimated 5-7 million members.
The churches were forced to close down by the Chinese government because church leaders were invited to attend the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in October 2010 at Cape Town, South Africa.( www.Lausanne.org ) Sources informed ChinaAid that the Chinese Public Security Bureau has obtained the list of 200 Chinese invitees and threatened some of them not to attend, but CGF leaders refused to back down.
source:http://www.chinaaid.org/qry/page.taf?id=105
ZHEJIANG, China, On August 30, 2010, several elderly Christians were disturbed during their morning prayers when authorities trooped into their mountainside prayer center. They were forcibly removed, and then watched helplessly as the building was demolished.
The police force, several hundred strong, removed about twenty elderly Christians from the building. No one seemed injured. Workmen proceeded to destroy the church's prayer room, school room, and training center rooms.
Known as "Prayer Mountain," the complex was owned by the Taishan Christian House Church (located in Qinggang District, Yuhuan county, Taizhou City, Zhejiang province). This incident comes on the heels of more recent persecution against house churches.
According to ChinaAid's reliable sources, at least three house churches were shut down August 5th and 6th, 2010. The churches were located in Wuhan, Hubei, in Sanmenxia, Henan and in Changsha, Hunan. They belonged to China Gospel Fellowship (CGF), one of the major house church networks in China, with an estimated 5-7 million members.
The churches were forced to close down by the Chinese government because church leaders were invited to attend the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in October 2010 at Cape Town, South Africa.( www.Lausanne.org ) Sources informed ChinaAid that the Chinese Public Security Bureau has obtained the list of 200 Chinese invitees and threatened some of them not to attend, but CGF leaders refused to back down.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Imprisoned Christian refused further visits in China
by Staff
August 17, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Imprisoned Uyghur house church pastor Alimujiang Yimiti, who was finally allowed to visit with his family in recent months, has been prevented further visits. Alimujiang's mother, wife and children were able to meet with him for the first time in two years in April.
In May, they were permitted a second meeting for 20 minutes. However, authorities have since demanded that a letter stamped by the local police verifying Alimujiang's relationship with his wife and mother be brought to each meeting. The local police, meanwhile, claim the letter is unnecessary and refuse to cooperate. Alimujiang's lawyers have not been permitted to meet with him since he was moved into prison.
Although Alimujiang's wife, Gulinuer, mails a letter to him every week, she only knows of two letters that have reached her husband. She has yet to receive a reply. One letter mailed to Alimujiang from the United States was returned to the sender with the word "deceased" written across the envelope. Sources have been unable to confirm the validity of the message. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09600.shtml
August 17, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Imprisoned Uyghur house church pastor Alimujiang Yimiti, who was finally allowed to visit with his family in recent months, has been prevented further visits. Alimujiang's mother, wife and children were able to meet with him for the first time in two years in April.
In May, they were permitted a second meeting for 20 minutes. However, authorities have since demanded that a letter stamped by the local police verifying Alimujiang's relationship with his wife and mother be brought to each meeting. The local police, meanwhile, claim the letter is unnecessary and refuse to cooperate. Alimujiang's lawyers have not been permitted to meet with him since he was moved into prison.
Although Alimujiang's wife, Gulinuer, mails a letter to him every week, she only knows of two letters that have reached her husband. She has yet to receive a reply. One letter mailed to Alimujiang from the United States was returned to the sender with the word "deceased" written across the envelope. Sources have been unable to confirm the validity of the message. (Source: ChinaAid)
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09600.shtml
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Family finally allowed visit imprisoned Uyghur Chinese church leader
by Staff
May 21, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - On April 20, the family of Uyghur house church leader Alimujiang Yimiti was allowed to visit with him for the first time since his arrest in January 2008.
Alimujiang was sentenced in October 2009 to 15 years' imprisonment for "providing state secrets to overseas organizations". Alimujiang's wife, Gulinuer, their two sons, and his mother and sister were only able to talk for 15 minutes by phone through a glass barrier.
The family reported that Alimujiang was noticeably thinner but in "good spirits." Officials have now granted Gulinuer and other close family members permission to visit him once a month. (Source: ChinaAid)
Enraged by the injustice they have faced, Gulinuer and her mother-in-law, Wushueran, are urging the international community to demand Alimujiang's release. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to stand with this family by signing a petition from our partner, ChinaAid.
By raising our voices in petition for Alimujiang Yimiti, we the international community can build a brighter, more peaceful future for China and for the world. Add your voice to the thousands around the globe calling for justice today! To sign the petition, learn more details on Alimujiang's case and discover other ways to get involved, please visit www.FreeAlim.com.
Praise God that Alimujiang was able to visit with his family. Pray that authorities will continue to allow this family to meet together. Pray that Alimujiang will be released. Pray that, in all things, he and his family will look to Christ for strength.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09354.shtml
May 21, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - On April 20, the family of Uyghur house church leader Alimujiang Yimiti was allowed to visit with him for the first time since his arrest in January 2008.
Alimujiang was sentenced in October 2009 to 15 years' imprisonment for "providing state secrets to overseas organizations". Alimujiang's wife, Gulinuer, their two sons, and his mother and sister were only able to talk for 15 minutes by phone through a glass barrier.
The family reported that Alimujiang was noticeably thinner but in "good spirits." Officials have now granted Gulinuer and other close family members permission to visit him once a month. (Source: ChinaAid)
Enraged by the injustice they have faced, Gulinuer and her mother-in-law, Wushueran, are urging the international community to demand Alimujiang's release. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to stand with this family by signing a petition from our partner, ChinaAid.
By raising our voices in petition for Alimujiang Yimiti, we the international community can build a brighter, more peaceful future for China and for the world. Add your voice to the thousands around the globe calling for justice today! To sign the petition, learn more details on Alimujiang's case and discover other ways to get involved, please visit www.FreeAlim.com.
Praise God that Alimujiang was able to visit with his family. Pray that authorities will continue to allow this family to meet together. Pray that Alimujiang will be released. Pray that, in all things, he and his family will look to Christ for strength.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09354.shtml
Monday, May 17, 2010
Hunger for Bibles 'growing' in China
The church is growing in China and with it the demand for Bibles, visitors to this year's international Christian Resources Exhibition heard yesterday. The head of Bible Society's China Partnership programme, Kua Wee Seng, said that Amity Printing Press, the only government-approved Bible printer in China, was struggling to keep up with demand. Although the number of Bibles being printed for distribution in China rose to four million last year, Kua said even more Bibles were needed to meet the needs of the estimated 500,000 people turning to Christ in the communist nation each year. He urged Christians in the West to support Bible Society's 2010 campaign to raise funds for a new printing press to increase the number of Bibles being printed for the Chinese market to 12 million. Kua said that financial and practical help from Christians outside of China had made Bible printing there possible, most notably through the shipment of tonnes of Bible paper. Now that China is producing its own Bible paper.
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/hunger.for.bibles.growing.in.china/25895.htm
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/hunger.for.bibles.growing.in.china/25895.htm
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Guangzhou Police Kidnap Pastor Wang Dao
by Staff
March 8, 2010
GUANGDONG, China, (christiansunite.com) -- For more than two years, the Guangzhou police have harassed the house church believers of Liangren Church for their faith. In the boldest strike since last September, a mixed band of plain-clothed and uniformed PSB officers barged into the local restaurant at 3:20 PM on March 4, 2010, where Liangren Church Head Pastor Wang Dao was meeting with twelve brothers and sisters for a meal.
According to eye-witnesses in the restaurant, the policemen threw Pastor Wang violently to the ground, without showing their ID badges or any official documentation. They seized Pastor Wang and rushed him outside to a waiting vehicle, shoving him into the back seat as they tore off down the street. Pastor Wang's whereabouts are still unknown, and no one has been able to contact him since his forced departure.
Pastor Wang Dao has weathered severe persecution with fellow believers in Guangzhou since the church was founded in 2005. In 2008, the government banned Liangren Church, indicting them for holding "illegal religious organizations." Pastor Dao filed several appeals against the government ban and persisted in holding meetings with believers despite two rejections, several delays on appeal decisions and numerous other official attempts to disband the church permanently.
He was last interrogated for more than three hours on September 3, 2009, when officers questioned him about his involvement with the Chinese Christian Charter, a proclamation of faith signed and released on June 4, 2009, the 20th anniversary date of Tiananmen Square massacre.
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09095.shtml
March 8, 2010
GUANGDONG, China, (christiansunite.com) -- For more than two years, the Guangzhou police have harassed the house church believers of Liangren Church for their faith. In the boldest strike since last September, a mixed band of plain-clothed and uniformed PSB officers barged into the local restaurant at 3:20 PM on March 4, 2010, where Liangren Church Head Pastor Wang Dao was meeting with twelve brothers and sisters for a meal.
According to eye-witnesses in the restaurant, the policemen threw Pastor Wang violently to the ground, without showing their ID badges or any official documentation. They seized Pastor Wang and rushed him outside to a waiting vehicle, shoving him into the back seat as they tore off down the street. Pastor Wang's whereabouts are still unknown, and no one has been able to contact him since his forced departure.
Pastor Wang Dao has weathered severe persecution with fellow believers in Guangzhou since the church was founded in 2005. In 2008, the government banned Liangren Church, indicting them for holding "illegal religious organizations." Pastor Dao filed several appeals against the government ban and persisted in holding meetings with believers despite two rejections, several delays on appeal decisions and numerous other official attempts to disband the church permanently.
He was last interrogated for more than three hours on September 3, 2009, when officers questioned him about his involvement with the Chinese Christian Charter, a proclamation of faith signed and released on June 4, 2009, the 20th anniversary date of Tiananmen Square massacre.
http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion09095.shtml
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Christians attacked and detained in China
by Staff
January 29, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - There were several incidents of attacks on Christians by Chinese authorities in recent weeks.
On December 25, Chinese authorities disrupted a Christmas celebration in Korla City, Xinjiang province and arrested several elderly Christians. One of the believers, Wang Qiuyue (71), was seized roughly and thrown against a police car. Her furniture was then set on fire as she looked on. Authorities also broke into the home of He Cuiying (69), who is half-paralyzed and confined to her bed, and set fire to 30 Bibles and other religious literature.
On the afternoon of January 8, 30 leaders of the Chinese House Church Alliance were detained in Handan City, Hebei province after a group of officers from the Public Security and Religious Affairs Bureaus barged into their Bible study. The 30 men and women were then forcefully taken to an unknown interrogation centre within the city. At last report, the authorities were threatening some of the detained pastors with 15 days of administrative detention.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08980.shtml
January 29, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - There were several incidents of attacks on Christians by Chinese authorities in recent weeks.
On December 25, Chinese authorities disrupted a Christmas celebration in Korla City, Xinjiang province and arrested several elderly Christians. One of the believers, Wang Qiuyue (71), was seized roughly and thrown against a police car. Her furniture was then set on fire as she looked on. Authorities also broke into the home of He Cuiying (69), who is half-paralyzed and confined to her bed, and set fire to 30 Bibles and other religious literature.
On the afternoon of January 8, 30 leaders of the Chinese House Church Alliance were detained in Handan City, Hebei province after a group of officers from the Public Security and Religious Affairs Bureaus barged into their Bible study. The 30 men and women were then forcefully taken to an unknown interrogation centre within the city. At last report, the authorities were threatening some of the detained pastors with 15 days of administrative detention.
source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08980.shtml
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Religious Persecution in Xinjiang Mounts in the New Year: 19 Christians Arrested, Farm Leaders Burn Christians' Bibles and Property
by Staff
January 12, 2010
XINJIANG, China, (christiansunite.com) -- With the turn of the new year, a wave of persecution has struck Han and Uyghur Christians alike in the ethnically and religiously charged Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
On December 25, 2009, farm leaders and police broke into the home of Wang Qiyue, a 71-year-old widow, disrupting the Christmas gathering and ransacking her home. These "People's Police" burned Ms. Wang's furniture, as she was thrown against a police car by the Korla Chief of Security, Yu Fagan. Six farm leaders next barged into the home of 69-year-old hemiplegic He Cuiying, and confiscated more than 30 Bibles and spiritual books. The leaders then burned the materials in a bonfire outside her home, as a means of public humiliation. Later, five elderly Christians were arrested with no cause and fined 5,000 Yuan each.
Read more about the persecution of the elderly Christians in Korla.
On January 7, 2010, Attorney Li Baiguang sent letters of appeal on behalf of Alimujiang Yimiti to the Xinjiang Provincial Government and Chinese Central Government. In the letters, he stated that, by law, the charge of "unlawfully providing state secrets to overseas organizations" and the sentence of 15-years imprisonment were illegal and should be withdrawn. He further requested an immediate review of the case.
Read more about Li Baiguang's Appeal on behalf of Alimujiang Yimiti.
At 5:00 PM the same day, Nong Wu Shi PSB officials in the Aksu region raided a house church, arresting 14 house church members. The military PSB detained the members for over 12 hours, on charges of participating in "illegal religious activities." The next morning, 11 were released, leaving house church leaders Yang Tianlu, He Sujin, and Sujin's son, He Guangyuan, in detention.
Read more about the raid and arrest of 14 Han Chinese house church Christians.
President of ChinaAid Bob Fu believes the Xinjiang government must acknowledge these horrible acts of persecution, and root out the seeds of corruption sown by local government officials violating Chinese law. ChinaAid urges the international community to continue praying for religious freedom in Xinjiang and throughout China.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08919.shtml
January 12, 2010
XINJIANG, China, (christiansunite.com) -- With the turn of the new year, a wave of persecution has struck Han and Uyghur Christians alike in the ethnically and religiously charged Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
On December 25, 2009, farm leaders and police broke into the home of Wang Qiyue, a 71-year-old widow, disrupting the Christmas gathering and ransacking her home. These "People's Police" burned Ms. Wang's furniture, as she was thrown against a police car by the Korla Chief of Security, Yu Fagan. Six farm leaders next barged into the home of 69-year-old hemiplegic He Cuiying, and confiscated more than 30 Bibles and spiritual books. The leaders then burned the materials in a bonfire outside her home, as a means of public humiliation. Later, five elderly Christians were arrested with no cause and fined 5,000 Yuan each.
Read more about the persecution of the elderly Christians in Korla.
On January 7, 2010, Attorney Li Baiguang sent letters of appeal on behalf of Alimujiang Yimiti to the Xinjiang Provincial Government and Chinese Central Government. In the letters, he stated that, by law, the charge of "unlawfully providing state secrets to overseas organizations" and the sentence of 15-years imprisonment were illegal and should be withdrawn. He further requested an immediate review of the case.
Read more about Li Baiguang's Appeal on behalf of Alimujiang Yimiti.
At 5:00 PM the same day, Nong Wu Shi PSB officials in the Aksu region raided a house church, arresting 14 house church members. The military PSB detained the members for over 12 hours, on charges of participating in "illegal religious activities." The next morning, 11 were released, leaving house church leaders Yang Tianlu, He Sujin, and Sujin's son, He Guangyuan, in detention.
Read more about the raid and arrest of 14 Han Chinese house church Christians.
President of ChinaAid Bob Fu believes the Xinjiang government must acknowledge these horrible acts of persecution, and root out the seeds of corruption sown by local government officials violating Chinese law. ChinaAid urges the international community to continue praying for religious freedom in Xinjiang and throughout China.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08919.shtml
Thursday, December 17, 2009
House church leader targeted by authorities in Wenzhou, China
by Staff
December 17, 2009
(christiansunite.com) - The leader of a house church in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China was released on November 30 after authorities arbitrarily detained him without warrant on November 23.
Officials and local villagers targeted Shao Wangui after he and his brother, owners of the Xinba Shoes Factory, refused to pay a fee to support the building of a Buddhist temple in their village. Wangui also asked the members of his house church to refuse to support the construction project.
When the village secretary found out about Wangui's actions, he began initiating a campaign of mistreatment against the known believers in the community. In late November, local "vandals" destroyed the brothers' factory as punishment for their refusal to provide funds.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08849.shtml
December 17, 2009
(christiansunite.com) - The leader of a house church in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China was released on November 30 after authorities arbitrarily detained him without warrant on November 23.
Officials and local villagers targeted Shao Wangui after he and his brother, owners of the Xinba Shoes Factory, refused to pay a fee to support the building of a Buddhist temple in their village. Wangui also asked the members of his house church to refuse to support the construction project.
When the village secretary found out about Wangui's actions, he began initiating a campaign of mistreatment against the known believers in the community. In late November, local "vandals" destroyed the brothers' factory as punishment for their refusal to provide funds.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08849.shtml
Thursday, December 3, 2009
5 Linfen Church Leaders Sentenced to Labor Camps Without Trial
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5 Linfen Church Leaders Sentenced to Labor Camps Without Trial
by Staff
December 3, 2009
SHANXI, China, (christiansunite.com) -- On November 30, five more church leaders from Linfen Church, Shanxi, were each sentenced to two years re-education through labor, in an arbitrary administrative sentence by the Public Security Bureau which circumvents the court and prosecution systems. The sentence allegedly took effect November 11th, while they were already detained.
The five Christian leaders included Mr. Li Shuangping, Ms. Yang Hongzhen, Ms. Yang Caizhen (whose husband, Yang Xuan, received three years sentence on Nov. 25), Ms. Gao Qin (a.k.a. Gao Fuqin), and Ms. Zhao Guoai. Among the five, ChinaAid confirmed three members' two-year re-education through labor sentences through their family members--including Yang Caizhen, Yang Hongzhen and Mr. Li Shuangping. The other two members' sentences were confirmed indirectly by Linfen-Fushan church leaders, since their family members were being held under severe government surveillance.
The five church leaders were accused of "gathering people to disturb the public order, " referring to the one-thousand-believer prayer rally held on September 14 for the victims of the midnight attack on Fushan Church. 17 church buildings were destroyed and over 30 believers were seriously wounded during the unprecedented mob attack on September 13.
According to a witness, Ms. Yang Caizhen was seen being beaten severely during an interrogation. One of her front teeth was knocked out during an interrogation, and Ms. Yang is reported to look very fragile.
Government authorities asked the prisoners' family members to sign the Notification-to-Family-Member sentence document, but refused to give them official copies. They claimed the church leaders themselves had received the documents while held in detention (a procedure which violates Chinese law). The family members of Yang Caizhen, Yang Hongzhen and Li Shuangping all signed the notification papers respectively. All ten Linfen church leaders plan to appeal.
"To arbitrarily send five innocent citizens to labor camps directly violates the international human rights covenants and norms the Chinese government has signed and even ratified, " said ChinaAid President Bob Fu. "This case shows the Chinese government is determined to be on the wrong side of history by clenching its power with suppressing the basic freedom of religion and conscience for Chinese citizens. We call upon the international community to hold these rights abusers accountable."
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08796.shtml
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5 Linfen Church Leaders Sentenced to Labor Camps Without Trial
by Staff
December 3, 2009
SHANXI, China, (christiansunite.com) -- On November 30, five more church leaders from Linfen Church, Shanxi, were each sentenced to two years re-education through labor, in an arbitrary administrative sentence by the Public Security Bureau which circumvents the court and prosecution systems. The sentence allegedly took effect November 11th, while they were already detained.
The five Christian leaders included Mr. Li Shuangping, Ms. Yang Hongzhen, Ms. Yang Caizhen (whose husband, Yang Xuan, received three years sentence on Nov. 25), Ms. Gao Qin (a.k.a. Gao Fuqin), and Ms. Zhao Guoai. Among the five, ChinaAid confirmed three members' two-year re-education through labor sentences through their family members--including Yang Caizhen, Yang Hongzhen and Mr. Li Shuangping. The other two members' sentences were confirmed indirectly by Linfen-Fushan church leaders, since their family members were being held under severe government surveillance.
The five church leaders were accused of "gathering people to disturb the public order, " referring to the one-thousand-believer prayer rally held on September 14 for the victims of the midnight attack on Fushan Church. 17 church buildings were destroyed and over 30 believers were seriously wounded during the unprecedented mob attack on September 13.
According to a witness, Ms. Yang Caizhen was seen being beaten severely during an interrogation. One of her front teeth was knocked out during an interrogation, and Ms. Yang is reported to look very fragile.
Government authorities asked the prisoners' family members to sign the Notification-to-Family-Member sentence document, but refused to give them official copies. They claimed the church leaders themselves had received the documents while held in detention (a procedure which violates Chinese law). The family members of Yang Caizhen, Yang Hongzhen and Li Shuangping all signed the notification papers respectively. All ten Linfen church leaders plan to appeal.
"To arbitrarily send five innocent citizens to labor camps directly violates the international human rights covenants and norms the Chinese government has signed and even ratified, " said ChinaAid President Bob Fu. "This case shows the Chinese government is determined to be on the wrong side of history by clenching its power with suppressing the basic freedom of religion and conscience for Chinese citizens. We call upon the international community to hold these rights abusers accountable."
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08796.shtml
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Will Obama Confront China on Human Rights Issues?
By Gary Lane
CBN News Chief International Correspondent
Saturday, November 14, 2009
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China is an economic superpower with the world's fastest growing economy and boasts the world's largest population.
Yet, as China's influence increases, so does international concern about the country's affairs.
China is still a Communist country and the government has little tolerance for those who worship outside official churches.
But what pressure, if any, should the U.S. put on China to guarantee religious freedom?
President Obama will meet with leaders in China next week with the goal of solidifying U.S relations with the country.
Topping the White House agenda for discussion is the global economy, trade, climate change and regional and global security issues-- including terrorism, Iran and North Korea.
Just before Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited China earlier this year, she said human rights would not be a top priority of the Obama administration.
The U.S. still lists China as a country of particular concern for religious freedom.
china aid association president bob fu gives one reason why....
"The government wants to exercise total control of the church and order the church not to exercise their faith, especially to practice their faith by sharing the gospel wherever they are," said Bob Fu of the China Aid Association.
When the State Department released it's annual religious freedom survey last month, Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner said religious freedom will be part of the U.S.-China dialogue for a long time to come.
He expressed concern for the 50- 90-million Christians who worship in China's unregistered churches.
"What we are trying to do is encourage the Chinese government to recognize and allow people of faith, various faiths, to practice and that's also part of the dialogue as far as I'm concerned," Posner said.
The president may raise human rights and religious freedom issues privately. Also, unlike his predecessor, Obama is not planning to attend a church during his China visit.
source: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2009/November/Will-Obama-Confront-China-on-Human-Rights-Issues/?_mid=274200&_rid=274200.2004.9732
CBN News Chief International Correspondent
Saturday, November 14, 2009
RSS
Podcasts
The latest version of Adobe Flash Player is required to watch this video. Please click on the link below to download the latest version. Thanks!
Embed: Link:
Ad Feedback
China is an economic superpower with the world's fastest growing economy and boasts the world's largest population.
Yet, as China's influence increases, so does international concern about the country's affairs.
China is still a Communist country and the government has little tolerance for those who worship outside official churches.
But what pressure, if any, should the U.S. put on China to guarantee religious freedom?
President Obama will meet with leaders in China next week with the goal of solidifying U.S relations with the country.
Topping the White House agenda for discussion is the global economy, trade, climate change and regional and global security issues-- including terrorism, Iran and North Korea.
Just before Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited China earlier this year, she said human rights would not be a top priority of the Obama administration.
The U.S. still lists China as a country of particular concern for religious freedom.
china aid association president bob fu gives one reason why....
"The government wants to exercise total control of the church and order the church not to exercise their faith, especially to practice their faith by sharing the gospel wherever they are," said Bob Fu of the China Aid Association.
When the State Department released it's annual religious freedom survey last month, Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner said religious freedom will be part of the U.S.-China dialogue for a long time to come.
He expressed concern for the 50- 90-million Christians who worship in China's unregistered churches.
"What we are trying to do is encourage the Chinese government to recognize and allow people of faith, various faiths, to practice and that's also part of the dialogue as far as I'm concerned," Posner said.
The president may raise human rights and religious freedom issues privately. Also, unlike his predecessor, Obama is not planning to attend a church during his China visit.
source: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2009/November/Will-Obama-Confront-China-on-Human-Rights-Issues/?_mid=274200&_rid=274200.2004.9732
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Chinese student expelled from school for his Christian faith
by Staff
November 10, 2009
(christiansunite.com) - Chen Le, a second-year high school student, was officially expelled from Huashan Middle School on October 20 after he signed a document confirming his Christian faith.
The official notice of expulsion stated, "was found by Bazhou Public Security Agency and other related agencies to have engaged in Christian gatherings. His school was notified that it should educate the student and persuade him to mend his ways. However'Ķthis student persists in his belief that he should not renounce his Christian belief. He can't promise that he will not believe in Christianity or attend Christian activities."
Due to the expulsion, Chen Le is now barred from taking the mandatory college entrance exam, disallowing him to pursue further education. Chen Le has responded saying, "I would rather be forced out of school, than deny my faith."
Thank God for the bold faith of Chen Le. Ask God to open a door for him so he may continue in his education. You can stand in solidarity with Chen Le by posting a prayer for him on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall at www.persecution.net/prayerwall.
Learn more about how Christians are persecuted for their faith in China at www.persecution.net/china.htm.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08721.shtml
November 10, 2009
(christiansunite.com) - Chen Le, a second-year high school student, was officially expelled from Huashan Middle School on October 20 after he signed a document confirming his Christian faith.
The official notice of expulsion stated, "was found by Bazhou Public Security Agency and other related agencies to have engaged in Christian gatherings. His school was notified that it should educate the student and persuade him to mend his ways. However'Ķthis student persists in his belief that he should not renounce his Christian belief. He can't promise that he will not believe in Christianity or attend Christian activities."
Due to the expulsion, Chen Le is now barred from taking the mandatory college entrance exam, disallowing him to pursue further education. Chen Le has responded saying, "I would rather be forced out of school, than deny my faith."
Thank God for the bold faith of Chen Le. Ask God to open a door for him so he may continue in his education. You can stand in solidarity with Chen Le by posting a prayer for him on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall at www.persecution.net/prayerwall.
Learn more about how Christians are persecuted for their faith in China at www.persecution.net/china.htm.
source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08721.shtml
Monday, November 2, 2009
Ten more Christians from China's Fushan Church arrested
by Staff
October 29, 2009
(christiansunite.com) - Church members of the Fushan Church in Linfen City, China continue to face detention and intimidation from Public Security Bureau officials.
On October 10, officials offered to release ten church leaders who were arrested in late September following an attack on their church site, on the condition that one of the female leaders be held until further notice. The leaders refused to leave behind Pastor Yang Rongli, stating, "We are one team in the one body of Christ! We won't leave her behind alone. We will not leave prison without her."
The officials then arrested Pastor Yang's youngest sister, Yang Linli, and ransacked another pastor's home. On October 11, ten more church members were arrested. Officials blamed Pastor Yang for the raids and arrests, and threatened the leaders with further violence if they did not comply with their orders.
Yang Linli was finally released on October 16 and ordered to not petition on behalf of her sister or the other detained Christians and cease further "illegal activities." Pastor Yang and another church leader, Hua Mei, were then formally accused of "illegal building and disturbing the social order by organizing masses."
The next day, five other church leaders were sentenced to criminal detention. Three have since been released on parole. At last report, nine Christians remain in detention and the whereabouts of the ten Christians detained on October 11 remain unknown.
Source: (christiansunite.com)- http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08681.shtml
October 29, 2009
(christiansunite.com) - Church members of the Fushan Church in Linfen City, China continue to face detention and intimidation from Public Security Bureau officials.
On October 10, officials offered to release ten church leaders who were arrested in late September following an attack on their church site, on the condition that one of the female leaders be held until further notice. The leaders refused to leave behind Pastor Yang Rongli, stating, "We are one team in the one body of Christ! We won't leave her behind alone. We will not leave prison without her."
The officials then arrested Pastor Yang's youngest sister, Yang Linli, and ransacked another pastor's home. On October 11, ten more church members were arrested. Officials blamed Pastor Yang for the raids and arrests, and threatened the leaders with further violence if they did not comply with their orders.
Yang Linli was finally released on October 16 and ordered to not petition on behalf of her sister or the other detained Christians and cease further "illegal activities." Pastor Yang and another church leader, Hua Mei, were then formally accused of "illegal building and disturbing the social order by organizing masses."
The next day, five other church leaders were sentenced to criminal detention. Three have since been released on parole. At last report, nine Christians remain in detention and the whereabouts of the ten Christians detained on October 11 remain unknown.
Source: (christiansunite.com)- http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08681.shtml
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