(Wuhu, Anhui Province—August 09, 2021) Earlier in August, the procuratorate officially arrested Wang Minghai, Wan Hongxia, Han Xuelei, and Xie Zhifeng, four house church teachers in Wuhu, Anhui Province, charging them of “illegal business operations.” Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities, however, released six other previously detained teachers, including Yang Zhiyan, arrested on bail.
The four arrested teachers, and the six teachers released on bail work for the same house church school On May 27, police raided the campus and seized the teachers, accusing each of “illegal business operation.” Police officers also confiscated personal and school items. Officers had detained Wang Minghai, Wan Hongxia, Han Yanlei, Xie Zhifeng at Wuhu No. 1 Detention Center.
In the past, as CCP authorities have cracked down on Christianity, they have regularly, repeatedly raided and shut down schools of house churches throughout China. Officials have escalated persecution since the recently modified Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Protection of the Minors became effective June 1. CCP legislators added two items including “Internet protection” and “government protection” to the regulation. The “government protection” section specifies that if children do not receive compulsory State-sanctioned education, government departments have the right to strip parents of their custodial rights. The Department of Civil Affairs then gains custody of these children.
China Inland Mission, the first missionary organization to arrive in Wuhu, introduced Christianity there more than 100 years ago. In 1885, Yan Yongjing, a Chinese pastor of the U.S. Episcopal Church, established Saint James Church, the second missionary organization founded in Wuhu. Pastor Yan, also one of the founders of Central China Normal University, as well as the first translator, introduced western psychology books to China.
Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church, a primary target for CCP persecution, sent out a Kingdom Prayer Request via Telegram. Members call on Christians to intercede for Wang Minghai, Wan Hongxia, Han Yanlei, and Xie Zhifeng.
~ Yu Bing, ChinaAid Special Reporter
the wiles of the devil.
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