Several Church Leaders in Chengdu Arrested in Widespread Crackdown

The Chengdu Autumn Church, a house church associated with the broader House Church movement in China, has faced sustained government scrutiny since December 2018. During that period, authorities seized the church and detained approximately 100 members for participating in its worship activities. The church’s Facebook page, which had previously served as a platform for community engagement, was also subjected to large-scale arrests of its leaders in early October of the previous year.

According to the Chinese Aid Society, the Autumn School, a home-based education initiative run by the children of the church’s members, was forcibly shut down by local police officers. The schoolmaster was summoned to the police station and informed that the school would close before the week’s end. Following the police’s arrival, the school’s teachers were evacuated from the premises.

Simultaneously, at least seven elders, missionaries, and members of the Teyang Church in Chengdu were detained and taken from their homes. Some were subjected to raids, while others lost contact with their families. One member reported being told by a company leader that their actions were being closely monitored, indicating a broader pattern of surveillance and intimidation.

The Church of St. Helena, which is associated with the Autumn Rain Church, described the situation as a coordinated and targeted effort across the region. This suggests a systematic approach by authorities to suppress religious activities deemed subversive under China’s legal framework.

In December of the following year, Pastor Wang Yi was sentenced to nine years in prison for charges of “incitement to overthrow the State” and “unlawful operation.” This conviction followed a trial where the court determined that his actions constituted a threat to national security. The sentencing reflects the broader context of religious persecution and legal repression faced by house churches in China.

The events surrounding the Chengdu Autumn Church highlight the challenges faced by religious communities in navigating state regulations and maintaining their spiritual practices. The case underscores the importance of accountability, justice, and the protection of religious freedom, as emphasized in biblical teachings such as Micah 6:8, which calls for actions rooted in mercy, justice, and faithfulness.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)