China: Christians in custody after Henan church raid
(Worthy News) – More than 10 officials from various government departments, including the local religious affairs committee, raided Gusui Church in China’s central Henan province on May 22. The government agents forcibly removed several congregants and the lecturer for that day’s talk on laws.
During the raid, the government agents accused the church of participating illegal activities and banned it. They also broke into the conference room without any warrants, took pictures, and took notes on the member’s ID cards. Several of the church members were arrested, including that day’s speaker.
Additionally, the authorities threatened to fine the church and criminally detain its leaders if they hold similar events again.
On June 8, a church leader, Wei Jindang, filed an administrative review application with the Zhengzhou government to protest the banning of the church’s meeting place. The application demanded the various governmental organizations to investigate the religious affairs committee’s illegal actions during their raid and to protect the legal rights of citizens. [ Source: China Aid (Read More…) ]