Police continue to pressure members of Early Rain Covenant Church (ERCC) after raiding the church’s June 14 worship service in Chengdu.
Thirty-three Christians were detained when authorities entered the Sunday gathering. Most were released later that evening after about 12 hours of questioning. For several church members, however, the questioning did not stop when they left the police station.
On June 16, church member Liu Xiaoqiong received another call from police. Officers ordered her to report for additional questioning the following day. Liu asked if she could postpone the meeting because she was exhausted from the previous detention. Officers refused, saying the investigation required another written statement. She declined. Liu explained that she had already submitted a statement during her detention on June 14 and did not believe another one was necessary. Police warned that they could issue a formal summons if she refused to cooperate. According to a prayer update from the church, Liu answered simply, “Then issue the summons.”
Two church elders remain in detention.
Yan Hong received a 14-day administrative detention sentence. Wu Wuqing received 15 days. Authorities accused both men of “organizing and participating in illegal gatherings,” because they helped lead the worship service.
Church members said dozens of police officers and local officials took part in the June 14 raid. Officers interrupted the service, checked identification cards, questioned those present, and transported believers to a government facility for interrogation. Before being released, each person was required to provide a written statement. Some did not arrive home until after midnight.
For Early Rain Covenant Church, this has become familiar. Authorities first launched a major crackdown against the church in December 2018. More than 100 members were detained during coordinated raids across Chengdu. Founding pastor Wang Yi was later sentenced to nine years in prison.
Despite the arrests, the church never disappeared. Members continued meeting in homes and small groups. Some lost their jobs. Others were forced to move after landlords came under pressure from local officials. Church leaders have also reported repeated surveillance, questioning, and short-term detentions over the past several years. The latest actions show that officials are still closely watching the church and those connected to it.
China’s constitution speaks of freedom of religious belief, but independent house churches that refuse to register with the state continue to face restrictions. Raids, surveillance, and administrative detention remain common tools used against many unregistered congregations. Even after years of pressure, Early Rain Covenant Church continues to meet.
Please continue praying for Elders Yan Hong and Wu Wuqing during their detention, for Liu Xiaoqiong and the other believers facing continued questioning, and for Pastor Wang Yi as he remains imprisoned. Pray that the church in China will remain faithful and that the Gospel will continue to spread in places where believers gather despite the cost.
