Chinese authorities have detained several leaders of underground Christian churches, marking an intensification of the state's campaign against unsanctioned religious activity. Local sources confirmed that at least eight pastors and lay leaders were taken into custody in the central province of Henan over the past week, accused of “organising illegal religious activities.” The arrests come amid a broader government crackdown on “evil cults” and unregistered worship, which rights groups say has escalated under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.
The detained individuals are believed to be part of the “underground church” movement, which operates outside the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement. International observers have condemned the actions, with the US Commission on International Religious Freedom calling for their immediate release. The Chinese government maintains that religious freedom is protected under law but that all activities must comply with state regulations.
This latest round of detentions follows a pattern of increased pressure on religious minorities, particularly Christians and Muslims, in recent years.
