Zion Church of Beihai, located in Guangxi Province, has become the latest focal point in the Chinese government’s intensified scrutiny of unsanctioned religious activities. Arrests were made at this prominent house church, bringing attention to the ongoing tension between religious freedom and state control in China.
The church’s senior pastor, Ezra Jin Mingri, along with 17 other leaders, faces allegations of “illegally using information networks.” As reported by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), these individuals might face indefinite pre-trial detention and potential prison sentences extending up to three years.
With a congregation of approximately 5,000 members, Zion Church is among the largest unofficial Christian communities in China. Notably, in 2018, authorities in Beijing shut down the church’s main building following its refusal to install surveillance cameras.
Scott Bower, CEO of CSW, criticized the arrests, emphasizing that Pastor Jin and his associates were targeted “solely for the peaceful exercise of their religious beliefs.” He urged, “We call on the Chinese Communist Party to release these individuals immediately and without condition, and to cease its harassment of churches and religious groups that choose not to register with the CCP in order to practise their religion or belief without undue interference and surveillance.”
Open Doors, an organization monitoring global anti-Christian activities, has reported a surge in crackdowns on unregistered churches in China. In September, reports emerged of 70 Christians being detained, with some apprehended during church services.
Charges brought against these individuals include “fraud,” “running an illegal business,” and “organising unlawful meetings.” In one instance, church members handling financial collections faced accusations of misconduct, despite no internal complaints.
A local partner associated with Open Doors reflected on the impact of these actions, stating, “Due to the recent crackdown, our church has come to a standstill. More than 80 groups within the house church movement have ceased meeting. Of the original 14 churches, only a few remain.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
