Crackdown on China's Underground Churches Intensifies
China detained dozens of pastors from underground churches, including Zion Church's founder, Pastor Jin Mingri, amid rising China-U.S. tensions. Authorities accused Jin of 'illegal use of information networks.' Supporters fear a broader crackdown as China enforces stricter religious controls and targets unsanctioned religious activities.
In a significant crackdown on underground churches, Chinese police detained numerous pastors, including Pastor Jin Mingri, founder of the Zion Church, over the weekend. The arrests signal an intensified effort by Chinese authorities to control unsanctioned religious practices, drawing international condemnation, including calls from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their immediate release.
Jin, who leads the expansive Zion Church network, was apprehended at his Beihai home. He is now facing allegations of 'illegal use of information networks.' This move comes amid new regulations on religious practices and heightened political tensions, paralleling recent tensions between China and the U.S.
With fears of further persecution, human rights advocates express concern for the welfare of detained pastors, especially as Jin struggles with health issues and has been denied legal representation. Observers note the crackdown reflects government anxieties over the burgeoning influence of 'house churches' challenging state control over religious affairs.
Google News