Chinese Christian churches continued to thrive in the midst of persecution. In a society where economic progress and innovation are in great demand, the Chinese government and the house churches continue wrestling with each other and drawing attention from all over the world. Nevertheless, the faithful persecuted in China believe God's love and grace will strengthen their churches.
China Aid Association issued over 130 reports concerning the persecution of Chinese Christians in 2009. After holistic review and analysis of these cases covered in these reports, we have selected ten cases representing the nature of persecution in the country. Among these globally recognized persecution cases, five are specifically church-related; four involve the persecution of individual faith practitioners; and one involves the persecution of Christians who rescued refugees out of their commitment to Biblical principles.
2009 Annual Report: Top Ten Cases of Christian Persecution in China
Persecution of Shanxi Linfen Fushan Church
Persecution of Uyghur Christian Alimujiang Yimiti, from Xinjiang
Persecution of Beijing Shouwang Church
Persecution of Beijing House Church Leader and Businessman, Shi Weihan
Persecution of Shanghai Wanbang Church
Persecution of Two Chinese Christians Who Rescued Refugees from North Korea
Persecution of Sichuan Chengdu Autumn Rain Church
Persecution of Christian Human Rights Scholar, Dr. Fan Yafeng
Persecution of Christian Human Rights Lawyer Jiang Tianyong and His Family
Persecution of Henan Zhengzhou Zhutun Three- Self Church Staff by the Government
Click here to download the 2009 Top Ten Cases report.
These 10 Persecution Cases reveal the Chinese political trend and attitude towards religion. The government's anti-religion policy indicates its growing hostility towards Christianity. In addition, the government's furious persecution of both registered and non-registered churches indicates its confusion, fear, and sense of being threatened. Christians and churches should endeavor to avoid conflict with the government by operating under the law and holding on to their basic faith creed. However, they should not yield before persecution, but instead be willing to stand for truth and share that truth with the world. With 2009 now over, many hope that the year 2010 will break the trend of persecution and increase religious freedom in China.
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