by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Authorities in eastern China have carried out one of the largest crackdowns on unregistered Christian churches in recent years, arresting more than 70 people in a sweeping operation targeting Bible study groups and house church gatherings, according to Open Doors.
Pastors, church members, and seekers were detained during worship services, while others were taken from homes and workplaces. The crackdown, which began two months ago, mobilized as many as 400 police officers and 200 vehicles. Detainees were interrogated about denominational affiliations and financial activities, with at least 20 people fined amounts ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of yuan. The fines reportedly were tied to church offerings and so-called “illegal” Bible study meetings.
Local partners say the impact has been devastating. “Due to the recent crackdown, our church has come to a standstill,” one believer shared. “More than 80 groups within the house church movement have ceased meeting. Of the original 14 churches, only a few remain.” Many ministry leaders have stepped down under pressure, leaving just one full-time worker in the region.
The reasons for the operation remain unclear. Some speculate the churches were reported as “heretical,” betrayed by an informant, or suspected of foreign connections. Others note it reflects a broader policy by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to bring all religion under strict state control. Even state-sanctioned churches such as the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the Catholic Patriotic Association face increasing restrictions, closures, and demands to conform to communist ideology.
Adding to the concern, Ming*, a believer who had been previously monitored for his faith, has gone missing. Local partners fear he has again been detained after recent reports of beatings and threats by police for leading a small gospel gathering.
In the 2025 World Watch List by Open Doors, China is ranked 15th out of 50 for severe Christian persecution, up four spots from the previous year. This rise is attributed to stricter regulatory enforcement, which has led to the shutdown of unregistered churches and increased scrutiny of official ones. Open Doors estimates there are about 96.7 million Christians in China.
Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Christianity has experienced significant growth, with the number of Christians increasing from 4 million to an estimated 58 million Protestants and 9 million Catholics by 2010.
Despite ongoing intense persecution and strict government controls, current estimates suggest that there are between 80 and 100 million Christians in China, including both officially registered members and those in unregistered house church communities.
* Names have been changed for security reasons.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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