New raid on prominent Chinese church
Authorities in southwest China have launched a large-scale raid on one of the country’s best known Protestant house churches, during a Sunday worship service.
Church leaders and several members—including children—from the Early Rain Covenant Church were detained, according to reports received by Release International’s partner for China.
The church’s morning worship service was being held in a hotel conference room in Jiangyou City, Sichuan province, when more than 50 police officers and government officials entered, according to eyewitnesses.
The Early Rain Covenant Church has faced sustained government pressure for a number of years. Its founding pastor, Wang Yi, was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2019. Despite his imprisonment, and other detentions, church members have continued to meet.
Pray for the safety and protection of those detained, and that God would grant strength and peace for families awaiting news of loved ones.
Pray particularly for the well-being of children affected by the raid.
Pray for the continued faithfulness and witness of the Early Rain Covenant Church.
Source: Release International partner
