China’s Crackdown on Underground Christians Sparks Family Detentions

TJ’s family was torn apart when police stormed their home in the middle of the night. He and his wife worshipped in an unofficial church, refusing to honour any leader above their faith. Under President Xi Jinping’s Sinicisation campaign, only state-controlled churches are legal. Congregations must display Xi’s portrait and sing patriotic songs. Yet up to 115 million unregistered Christians meet in secret, risking arrest for “undermining the law.” In recent raids, armed officers have detained church leaders and members on charges ranging from corruption to illegal business. Lawyers who defend believers face licence revocations, and families remain separated indefinitely. Experts warn Xi treats all independent religious groups as threats to the Communist Party’s authority. Until policies change, underground Christians in China live under constant fear of detention.

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