Church told to block children from services

Authorities in China’s eastern Anhui province warned an unregistered church that its members would be prohibited from gathering for services if their children continue to attend.

An anonymous person who attends Caili Church said, “Recently, the district religious affairs bureau sent officials to our village, warning us that kids shouldn’t attend any services. They said that Christians would be prohibited from services if their children continue to attend"

According to this Christian, the bureau “reached an agreement with the village committee that the village committee would monitor us.”

Caili Church rose to attention when officials falsely accused its pastor, Chen Shixin, of damaging a forest last year. Chen was sentenced to three years in prison for “intentionally damaging property” on April 16.

ChinaAid exposes abuses, such as those suffered by Caili Church, in order to stand in solidarity with the persecuted and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law.