 |
| Chinese officials often raid churches such as this one. (Photo: ChinaAid) |
ChinaAid
(Pingxiang, Jiangxi—Dec. 9, 2018) When government officials raided a rural church in Pingxiang, Jiangxi province on Dec. 2, one of its leaders, military veteran Liao Hongcong, filmed himself in protest.
He posted the video online, demanding that the authorities return the church’s Bibles and seats. Liao said, “The stools and Bibles were looted on the morning of Dec. 2. At that time, only more than 10 seniors were holding a worship service in my home. I have already made a police report, but the police station hasn’t sent anyone out yet.”
After the possessions were gone, Hong stood in the empty room where the church met feeling hopeless, so he decided to speak up.
In the video, Liao showed his ID card and retired military officer certificate, saying, “I am an old Chinese soldier and dedicated my youth and made my contribution to the country. However, I don’t have religious freedom now and couldn’t even protect my religious freedom. We seniors worshipped at home. What law did we violate? We sang hymns and read the Bible. What law did we break? We need religious freedom. I love Jesus, I love China, and I love all people.”
According to Pingxiang Christians, all countryside churches in the area have been recently harassed, many of which have been banned. To confront this crisis, multiple churches decided to move their services to the afternoon or evening so as to avoid the government’s regular patrol. In some cases, the authorities confiscate so many of the church’s possessions that its members can no longer hold their regular events.
One of the church’s, Dianxia Church, moved unexpectedly and without explanation, possibly due to government interference.
ChinaAid exposes abuses, such as those suffered by Christians in Pingxiang, in order to stand in solidarity with the persecuted and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law.
ChinaAid Media Team
Cell: +1 (432) 553-1080 | Office: +1 (432) 689-6985 | Other: +1 (888) 889-7757
Email: [email protected]
For more information, click here