Christians in China are facing renewed persecution.,,,
Release International has warned of a new crackdown against Chinese Christians.
The organisation dedicated to protecting persecuted believers across the world said authorities in China have been arresting pastors and closing congregations, compiling “disturbing” video evidence of one police raid.
UK-based Release International said the move is part of a get-tough policy by President Xi Jinping as he tries to bring the country’s religious minorities under ever-tighter state control.
In Changchun, north-east China, police burst into a service and hauled away the pastor, his wife and seven elders. Outside, as congregation members tried to leave, ChinaAid says police beat the Christians, causing two women to lose consciousness.
The report comes as the United Nations reported “credible evidence” of torture against the country’s Uyghur minority amounting to “crimes against humanity”.
Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International, said: “It’s getting worse. Our partners tell us that churches in China are facing the toughest persecution since the Cultural Revolution.”
