Story perspectives

China's Crackdown on Unofficial Churches Escalates: Leaders Detained

1/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

On January 6, 2026, Chinese authorities detained members of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, including Li Yingqiang, the church's leader.
Human Rights Watch urged the immediate release of those detained amid a broader crackdown on unofficial Protestant churches.
In December 2025, authorities arrested around 100 members of the Yayang Church.
A nationwide October crackdown targeted nearly 30 pastors from various cities as Xi Jinping tightens religious regulation since 2016.

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Story summary

On January 6, 2026, Chinese authorities detained members of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, including Li Yingqiang, the church's leader.
Human Rights Watch urged the immediate release of those detained amid a broader crackdown on unofficial Protestant churches.
In December 2025, authorities arrested around 100 members of the Yayang Church.
A nationwide October crackdown targeted nearly 30 pastors from various cities as Xi Jinping tightens religious regulation since 2016.