China: 100 Christians, Including Children, Arrested During Major House Church Raid

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"It is unbelievable that local authorities arrested over 100 church members, including children, in Foshan city. Even though most people have been released, the experience has been traumatizing." 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Christian Post
By Stoyan Zaimov | September 23, 2014

Over 100 Christians, including children, were arrested during a major house church raid on Sunday in Foshan city in China's Guangdong Province. Close to 200 police officers stormed in during the service, eyewitnesses said, believed to be part of a large-scale crackdown on Christians in the country.

"We don't know exactly why they raided our church," a local believer told watchdog group International Christian Concern, which has been keeping track of the rising tide of persecution in China. "The government does not want us to get together and worship as a church."

"It is unbelievable that local authorities arrested over 100 church members, including children, in Foshan city. Even though most people have been released, the experience has been traumatizing," said ICC's Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, Sooyoung Kim.

"ICC urges local authorities in Guangdong Province to respect its citizens' rights to religious freedom, that the government of China says are upheld, and free these innocent Christians as soon as possible."

The Mount Olivet Church has over 20 years of history and has close to 170 members, ICC added.

Only government-approved churches are legal in China, with all house churches considered "illegal gatherings." But even a number of officially sanctioned churches have been targeted by the government in recent months, with officials explaining that they have been "removing or modifying illegal constructions." [ more ... ]

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