World: Chinese Authorities Crack Down on House Churches As 30 Church Members Detained

Over the past weekend, there has been a significant crackdown on house churches in China.

As monitored by Gospel Raw, Zion Church, one of the largest and most influential underground Christian communities in the country, was raided by authorities. In total, 30 members were arrested during the raid, including the church’s founding pastor, Pastor Ezra. While 10 of those detained have since been released, 20 remain imprisoned.

Among those still incarcerated is Pastor Ezra, who has led the church through several waves of persecution in the past. The raid marks the latest chapter in a growing effort by the Chinese government to suppress house churches, which often operate outside of state-approved religious institutions.

Pastor Sean Long, an intern pastor at Zion Church, is currently in the United States. He spoke about the ongoing challenges facing their congregation. Pastor Long has been in the U.S. since 2018, when the first major crackdown on the church took place. The church leadership made the decision to send him abroad in case of future raids, so that the church could continue its efforts to connect with and encourage believers, even in the face of persecution.

This weekend’s crackdown was particularly violent. Among those arrested were elderly women who were handcuffed, and a young woman who had given birth just one month ago was separated from her child and taken into custody. She has since been released, but the situation has been devastating for the church community.

Pastor Long emphasized that the church’s message is one of nonviolence and peaceful resistance. The church leadership wants the Chinese government to understand that they are not criminals, but Christians who are simply seeking the freedom to worship.

He also pointed out that the government’s previous attempts to suppress Zion Church in 2018 only helped to spread it. Today, Zion Church operates in over 40 cities across China, and their prayer is that this latest wave of persecution will only strengthen their movement and help spread the church’s influence internationally.

The church’s faith is unwavering, despite the government’s attempts to silence them. Pastor Long shared that they believe the Chinese government can close church doors, but it cannot close their faith. The church is determined to continue its mission to spread the Gospel, no matter the obstacles.

As the situation in China continues to unfold, believers around the world are being called to stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Prayers are being requested for the speedy release of the 20 members still imprisoned, and for strength and resilience for the entire congregation of Zion Church.

The global Christian community is urged to raise awareness of the ongoing persecution and to join in prayer for those suffering for the name of Jesus. Zion Church remains hopeful that God will use this moment of trial to further the growth of His kingdom and bring about lasting change in China.