by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - On April 28, two Christian preachers in China were arrested and placed in detention, in what has been described as the Chinese government’s effort to root out house churches in the country, International Christian Concern reports. No reason has yet been given for why Preachers Qie Jiafu and Huang Chunzi have been detained: both preachers were part of Zion Church, a large Beijing house church that was founded in 2007 and shut down by authorities in 2018.
Preacher Qie Jiafu was taken from his home in Beijing’s Changping district at 11:30 pm on April 28 for interrogation. No information was given as to the reason for this, although Qie’s wife was told on April 30 that her husband had been placed under a 10-day administrative detention for violating Art.54 of the Regulations on Administrative Penalties for Public Security. He was also fined 500 Yuan (77 USD), ICC said.
Preacher Huang Chunzi’s was taken from her home on April 28, and the authorities have still not contacted her family with any information about why or where she is being detained.
In its report, ICC said: “The church is asking for prayers so that Preacher Huang will be given all the strength she needs from the Lord, and that the Lord will make way so the church can gain current updates. They also pray for sufficient grace for Preacher Qie and the many servants who are paying the price for Christ in this day and age.”
Referencing the preachers’ arrests and describing the ongoing persecution of Christians in China, Gina Goh, ICC Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said: “The arbitrary arrests of the two Zion Church preachers indicate Beijing’s intention to root out house churches. Along with the ‘Administrative Measures for Religious Clergy,’ which came into effect on May 1, the Chinese government wants all religious leaders to submit to the Chinese Communist Party’s leadership and its ideology. Those who do not will face persecution. The ongoing crackdown against Christianity in China deserves the world’s attention.”