Posted on 09/01/2007 7:41:34 AM PDT by Ottofire
China has witnessed an increase in the number of “illegal” Christian groups who have been arrested across the country after a crackdown ordered by the Chinese Government last month, reports a leading Chinese persecution watchdog.
Since mid-July, a string of arrests and other forms of persecution in at least eight Chinese provinces has taken place including Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Jiangsu, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi and Anhui, according to China Aid Association (CAA). At least 17 Christian leaders of unregistered churches have been detained.
Chinese Christians are only allowed to worship in Communist-controlled churches. All activities outside of designated churches are deemed illegal and members of the underground church face fines, imprisonment and sometimes even torture.
Authorities have imprisoned some while others are punished for hosting Sunday schools in their homes by having their water and electricity cut off by the government.
“The Chinese church believers are faithful peace-makers in building a stable moral society in China,” stated the Rev Bob Fu, president of CAA.
“We call upon the Chinese Government to correct this grave misunderstanding by allowing these faithful to contribute more social services without fear of arrest and retribution,” he urged.
(Excerpt) Read more at christiantoday.com ...
Prayers up for these folks
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