By Stefan J. Bos, Special Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) - Chinese authorities have sentenced a Christian to 10 days of administrative detention for "illegal evangelism,” a well-informed advocacy group told Worthy News on Friday.
The man, Chen Wensheng, was seen “sharing his Christian faith” on the street in Hengyang city in Hunan province, confirmed ChinaAid, which represents reportedly persecuted Christians.
Shortly after his evangelism activists, he was taken into police custody this week, according to Christians familiar with the situation.
The man displayed a wooden cross that had "Glory to our Savior" and "Repent and be saved by faith alone" written on it, ChinaAid said.
“Chen also urged police officers to believe in Jesus,” the group added. The cross was reportedly confiscated at the police station.
SPEAKING TO OFFICERS
Video footage shared with Worthy News included footage of Chen's street evangelism and him speaking about his faith in Christ with police officers.
His detention comes amid broader concerns about a reported government crackdown on Christians in the Communist-run nation.
On Tuesday news emerged that China's Communist leadership ordered devoted Christians not to believe in God. Christians say attacks on house churches and other places of worship have intensified across China.
Chinese authorities have denied wrongdoing.
They suggest that churches in China must register with the government and join the Three-Self Patriotic Movement or the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association.
ATHEIST LEADER
However, even these state-approved denominations face severe restrictions, according to activists and well-informed Christians.
Christians suggest that China’s atheist President Xi Jinping wants to keep the nation under tight ideological control.
Experts say he is now becoming more powerful than Chinese communist party Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding father of current China.
In 2018, Chinese legislators approved the removal of the two-term limit on the presidency, effectively allowing Xi Jinping to remain in power for life.