China detains two leaders of influential underground church
Chinese authorities detained two leaders of Early Rain Covenant Church during a Sunday raid in Jiangyou, detaining over 30 members, including children. The church reports most were released after interrogation but warns of escalating religious persecution. Amnesty International and other groups link the arrests to broader efforts to suppress independent religious activity.
What changed
New reports confirm the detention of two church leaders and the scale of the raid, with multiple sources detailing the forced removal of congregants mid-service.
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China detains leaders of influential underground church in latest crackdown
confidence 96%Chinese authorities detained two leaders of Early Rain Covenant Church during a Sunday raid in Jiangyou, detaining over 30 members, including children. The church reports most were released after interrogation but warns of escalating religious persecution. Amnesty International and other groups link the arrests to broader efforts to suppress independent religious activity.
What's confirmed:
- Two leaders of Early Rain Covenant Church were detained during a police raid on Sunday, June 15, 2026, in Jiangyou, Sichuan Province.
- Over 30 members, including children, were forcibly taken from the church mid-service and questioned by police.
- Armed police officers stormed the church during Sunday service, surrounding congregants before detentions.
- Most detained members were released after interrogation, during which they reportedly sang hymns and prayed together.
- Amnesty International describes the detentions as part of a pattern of intensified attacks on religious freedom in China.
- Authorities have increased surveillance, raids, and prosecutions targeting independent religious groups, according to human rights organizations.
Still unconfirmed:
- The church claims detainees were held at the Jiangyou detention center, though this has not been independently verified.
- Speculation links the crackdown to Xi Jinping’s stated goal of preventing 'Color Revolutions' by suppressing U.S.-influenced religious activity.