Posted on 02/16/2023 5:49:34 PM PST by marshmallow
Prayer requests were sent to members as authorities in Shanxi province continued to investigate Linfen Covenant House Church
Members of a Protestant House Church in northern China, forcibly shut down last year, launched a prayer campaign for the well-being of detained pastors, leaders, and their family members amid a government crackdown, says a report.
Five prayer requests were sent to the members as the authorities in the Yadou district of Shanxi province have continued an investigation into the Linfen Covenant House Church, China Aid reported on Feb. 7.
Linfen Church and a church-run school were shut down last November, citing unauthorized religious and educational activities, according to Bitter Winter magazine.
Last August, police arrested the church’s preachers -- Li Jie and Han Xiaodong -- and placed them under house arrest. Later, following interrogations of church members, police arrested Wang Qiang, a leader and co-worker of the church.
The three arrested were charged with “fraud” allegedly based on testimonies of church members that they “defrauded” congregants through tithings and offerings.
Linfen Covenant House Church is a sister church of Zion Reformed Church in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, which was raided last November.
The police reportedly disrupted the Sunday liturgy and arrested seven Christians for attending an “illegal gathering” by violating Covid-19 pandemic rules.
Zion Church and Linfen Church have drawn ire from the state for allegedly not joining the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TPSM), China Aid reported.
(Excerpt) Read more at ucanews.com ...
“violating Covid-19 pandemic rules”
The chicoms are sure milking that excuse for everything it’s worth.
Back in the day, they’d probably be charged with something like counterrevolutionary activities...
The new kinder, gentler commie. “We’re oppressing you for your own health and well being!”
Lord show us how to help our brothers!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.