News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Living-Stone-China-Main_article_image.jpg
World News

Concern raised after Christians banned from meeting in China

The Christians are all former members of Living Stone Church - an unregistered house church in southwest China, which according to reports from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has faced increasing levels of religious persecution.

In 2015, the church was accused of illegally using a commercial building for its services and several church members were detained or fined in connection with the case.

Many more of its 700 members have since been pressurised not to attend services and several of its pastors have faced prison sentences.

Living Stone Church pastors, Yang Hua and Su Tianfu was were arrested for 'illegally possessing state secrets', Pastor Yang spent nearly three years in prison before being released in 2018 whilst Pastor Su Tianfu remains detained under a suspended sentence.

After authorities effectively closed down the church, the members have continued to meet in small groups, despite ongoing harassment from the authorities.

CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said: "Once again the Chinese authorities have used the Regulations on Religious Affairs to violate the right freedom of religion or belief, in contravention of international provisions protecting this fundamental human right.

"Members of Living Stone Church have faced years of unjust hostility at the hands of the government, and CSW condemns the authorities' order to prevent the Christians from meeting together. We call for the immediate repeal of this order and to cease all harassment of the church's members.

"We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of Pastor Su Tianfu, and all those detained in connection with their religion or belief in China. The international community must take every opportunity in bilateral dialogues to raise the case of these Christians and other religious groups who are facing repression in China."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate