Influential China Church Reports Arrests as Crackdown on Christians Intensifies

CHINA – Christian advocacy groups say China is intensifying its crackdown on underground churches, with arrests and demolitions reported in multiple cities.

The Early Rain Covenant Church says nine people were detained this week in Chengdu, with several church leaders still in custody.

Video obtained by rights groups shows authorities demolishing part of a major church in Wenzhou.

Activists say the actions reflect a renewed push by the Communist Party to force worship into state-approved churches, as Beijing tightens control over religious practice nationwide.