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China Intensifies Crackdown on Underground Churches, Arrests Pastors

12/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Chinese police intensified a crackdown on underground church networks, detaining a pastor during a Sunday service and raiding homes at night.
In early October, authorities arrested nearly 30 pastors and church members linked to Zion Church, a major unofficial Protestant congregation.
Eighteen people have been formally arrested, and detainees include lawyers and physicists aged 30 to 50, with authorities providing minimal information and fueling concerns about religious freedom.

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Story summary

The Chinese police intensified a crackdown on underground church networks, detaining a pastor during a Sunday service and raiding homes at night.
In early October, authorities arrested nearly 30 pastors and church members linked to Zion Church, a major unofficial Protestant congregation.
Eighteen people have been formally arrested, and detainees include lawyers and physicists aged 30 to 50, with authorities providing minimal information and fueling concerns about religious freedom.