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Lawlessness exhibited by the Chinese authorities inside and outside of the courtroom

Background of the Golden Lampstand Church (Jin Deng Tang Church)

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”

(Matthew 5:11–12, NIV)

The Church of Christ will stand

“On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

(Matthew 16:18, NIV)

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Matthew 5:10)

Video 1: Church members ambushed by SWAT team and authorities outside the courtroom.

Video 2: Chinese authorities demolished the Golden Lampstand Church building.

(Gansu – April 16, 2025)  An absurd accusation is looming over the church in Zhangye, Gansu. Pastor Sun Chenghao, a well-respected pastor, has been arrested by authorities on the bizarre charge of “organizing illegal border crossing” simply due to what was a typical trip to Jeju Island, South Korea. A crucial pre-trial conference is scheduled for April 29, 2025. 

Pastor Sun Chenghao’s wife revealed that her husband has been imprisoned since December 15, 2023. The so-called “criminal act” was a group visit to Jeju Island — a visa-free tourist destination for Chinese citizens. The situation is nothing short of outrageous. 

“Jeju Island is a visa-free area; there was no illegal border crossing,” Pastor Sun’s wife stated. 

At the pretrial conference, judges will meet with prosecutors, the wrongly accused Pastor Sun, and his defense attorney to further understand the circumstances of the case, hear from all parties, and review the witness list and any potentially excluded evidence. This conference could be a key step toward revealing the truth and clearing Pastor Sun’s name. 

Background of Pastor Sun Chenghao and the case

Pastor Sun Chenghao, a preacher of Korean ethnicity born in 1982, followed his pastor father in evangelizing across Gansu at a young age. Faith has long been woven into his life. Who would have imagined that a simple overseas trip could bring such devastating consequences? 

In August 2023, Pastor Sun Chenghao and his friends purchased plane tickets in honest means and passed through routine border checks to visit Jeju Island as tourists. During the trip, not only did he not receive anything for the expenses, but he also thoughtfully created a WeChat group to facilitate communication. After the trip, everyone returned to China safely. Yet just four months later, the Zhangye Public Security Bureau detained him under the charge of “organizing illegal crossings.” He remains imprisoned in a detention center to this day. 

Pastor Sun Chenghao’s ordeal has inflicted a devastating blow on his family. His wife and daughter, isolated and alone in Zhangye with no relatives nearby, have been further burdened by authorities warning brothers and sisters from church not to contact them, which is without a doubt adding to their sufferings.  

The Chinese authorities target Christians on overseas travels 

This is not an isolated case. In recent years, incidents have emerged frequently across China where house church Christians with records of overseas travel are punished under fabricated charges. Behind these actions lies a harsh crackdown on potential religious activity abroad. Since 2017, many Christians holding legal passports and visas have been accused of “organizing illegal border crossings,” with sentences ranging from several months to years. These outrageous acts are a blatant violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.  

Following Pastor Sun Chenghao’s arrest, the house church group “Kingdom Prayer Meeting” has been fervently praying for him and his family. ChinaAid Association will continue to follow this appalling case, calling for justice and looking forward to Pastor Sun Chenghao regaining his freedom soon. 

Please continue to follow Pastor Sun Chenghao’s sufferings and speak out for persecuted faith communities. 

(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)

(Linfen, Shanxi Province, China – April 15, 2025) April 14, 2025 was the 7th day of the trial of the Golden Lampstand Church Case in Linfen, Shanxi Province, and the last day of the trial that has been going on since it started on April 9th. All ten defendants insisted on pleading not guilty. They bravely defended their faith in court and tried to protect other brothers and sisters, bearing witness to the character of Christians.

Timeframe of the Trial

The trial on April 12 completed the questioning of all ten defendants, and the evidence phase began that afternoon.

The trial on April 13 basically completed the examination of evidence and cross-examination. The defense attorneys found that there were obvious problems in some aspects of the prosecution’s case. For example, when the defense lawyers checked the original evidence, the public prosecutor, Deputy Prosecutor General Hu Wuping, went so far as to openly attack the professional conduct of the defense in the courtroom, and even suspected that the defense lawyers tampered with the evidence. The defense lawyer pointed out that, according to the logic of the public prosecutor, is it necessary for the defense lawyers to prove that the original evidence has not been tampered with by the officials while it was in the custody of the prosecution unit? This was a serious departure from the professional conduct of a public prosecutor. In addition, when the prosecutor presented the victim’s evidence and witness statements, the defense lawyer found that the identity of the victims and witnesses also appeared serious confusion, the two lists were inconsistent, and the list of witnesses was overlapped with the list of victims.

After completing all court proceedings on April 14, the prosecutor accused the case of being an “unlawful organization,” arguing that an unregistered meeting is an unlawful meeting, and that an unlawful meeting that collects offerings is a fraud. Both the lawyers and the clients responded vigorously to these charges, and 10 Christians made their final statements in court.

Li Shuangping said:

People can take medicine when they are sick, and cancer can be treated, but there is no cure for a bad conscience; if I defrauded, God will surely punish me; God says, “I am the one who redresses the wrongs, and I will retaliate”; thank you, and God bless you all.

Mr. Zhao Guoai said:

I thank the prosecutor for his accusation, which gave me the opportunity to come to the court; I agree with the prosecutor’s statement, ”Judgment starts from the house of God”; I repent every day as a believer, and I have received a new life from Jesus Christ after my faith in Christ; the life of Jesus is the life that is free from sin, and faith gives me the freedom to believe that no matter how you accuse me and humiliate me, I am free and uncontrolled in my heart; I can’t accept the indictment’s charge of “a criminal group headed by Yang Rongli”, nor can I accept the charge of fraud.

Dong Yongyong said:

In the spirit of believing in the presiding judge of my trial, which is the order I should comply with; at that time it was the village chief who called me and asked me to cooperate with the court to examine whether it can constitute a self-surrender.

Feng Junying’s statement was:

After the incident, I truthfully answered every question the public security police asked me, and actively cooperated without reservation; I was healed of my own illnesses after believing in Jesus, and since then I have begun to repay God’s grace; the church is a loving family, not a fraudulent group.

Chen Qinglan said:

I do not recognize the crime of fraud, I only have simple faith, I do not have the behavior of fraud; I have personally changed after believing in Jesus, and I have harmony in my home and neighborhood; I assist in the church to collect and manage the offerings only for safekeeping, but I do not take possession of them for myself; the church exists for the sake of faith, not for the sake of fraud; I hope that the judge follows the power of justice and the principle of fairness, and shows us how the judge uses his wisdom and justice to judge us.

Huo Zhuangping said:

I do not recognize the charge of fraud against me, and I have not been in contact with any matters related to giving.

Li Qin said:

I believe that the presiding judge and the leaders here are fair and just, and through the trial of a few days, it will be dealt with fairly according to the facts identified in this case.

Yang Hongzhen said,

I have been waiting for this day, my husband has been imprisoned because of this case, and I have spent four years alone with my children. The Bible teaches us to obey the law, I will not violate the law; I am now alone to take care of the elderly and children, I implore the judge to be fair and righteous, so that we can feel the warmth of justice; I also implore the court to let Li Shuangping return to his family as soon as possible; may God bless you.

Wang Xianfeng said:

Social harmony and national stability should start from one small family, I now want to plead for permission to let us gather at home.

Wu Ling’e’s statement was:

What is the nature of our offering as defendants? I am also dedicated at the same time as the defendant and the victim? I also dedicate myself to being in jail at the same time; I ask the panel to be careful in handing down a sentence in this case; finally, I thank the court for being tolerant of me, and I understand the prosecutor; I also thank the defense team; and I ask for God’s blessing on all those present, including the bailiffs and community policemen who have been serving us these past few days.

The case held a pre-trial conference on April 8, 2025, and the trial began on April 9 and lasted seven days, concluding on April 14, with a public verdict to be announced on a later date.

(Reported by Special Correspondent Ningmeng of ChinaAid)

(Linfen, Shanxi, China – April 12, 2025) On April 12, Ms. Chen Ying, the wife of Han Xiaodong from Linfen Covenant House Church in Linfen, Shanxi, issued a distressing urgent prayer letter. In which she publicly denounces the intense surveillance, stalking, and harassment she and her daughter have endured from authorities. In her letter, Chen Ying expressed fear and unease, worried that her and her daughter’s safety might be threatened.  

Wife and Daughter of Preacher Han face stalking and harassment from authorities and local community

According to what Chen Ying stated in her letter, over the past few days, she and her daughter have been unjustly monitored and followed by a large group of unidentified individuals dressed in black clothing claiming to be community personnel. While the children played outside, they were secretly photographed by these individuals, and conversations with neighbors were recorded — the constant presence of these unidentified individuals wherever they went instilled fear in both mother and daughter. 

The situation escalated on the afternoon of April 10 when Chen Ying received a phone call from the Xi’an Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau (her household registration is in Xi’an), requesting a meeting about matters concerning Linfen Covenant House Church. “There is nothing to talk about,” Chen Ying firmly expressed. The caller then implied that if she did not comply with a meeting, “then wait till the police come looking for you.” 

Even more disturbing, on the afternoon of April 11 and the morning of April 12, Chen Ying received multiple phone calls from unfamiliar numbers in both Xi’an and Linfen, making her even more alarmed. One of the callers claimed to be an official from the Haihong Community in Xi’an where her household registration is registered and repeatedly urged her to travel to Xi’an for a face-to-face meeting. The caller emphasized that the community was remote, making it inconvenient for her to visit.  

Terrified to leave the house in fear of abduction

In her letter, Chen Ying revealed that the surveillance and harassment have made her and her daughter too frightened to even leave their home to buy food, fearing they might be kidnapped. She and another sister, Shanshan (the wife of another imprisoned brother), now feel compelled to watch their children as they play downstairs closely, terrified that something could happen. Chen has repeatedly warned her children not to open the door to any stranger when she is not home. 

Toward the end of the letter, Chen Ying sorrowfully stated that she and her daughter have begun to seriously consider who to entrust their children to in the event they are arrested or abducted. Thinking of her husband, Pastor Han Xiaodong, who has been unjustly imprisoned for his faith for two years and eight months and still has not had his case heard in court; she described their life as a mother and daughter as already difficult — and now, facing this unjust treatment and the real possibility of arrest or disappearance, they are in despair and anguish.  

Public Letter from wife of Preacher Han calls for prayer

Chen Ying earnestly appealed in her letter to the public to pray for her, for Shanshan, and for their children, praying for peace and justice.   

Han Xiaodong is a preacher of Linfen Covenant House Church in Linfen, Shanxi, a church that has endured ongoing suppression. Han Xiaodong was arrested on August 19, 2022, and remains in detention to this day, with slow progress to his case.  

ChinaAid’s statement on Chen Ying’s situation

ChinaAid is calling on the international community to pay close attention to Chen Ying’s situation and urges the authorities in Shanxi, China, to stop these acts of intimidation: 

1. Cease all forms of surveillance and harassment that directly violate their personal freedom, privacy rights, and religious liberty. Cease any initiative that restricts the everyday life of believers. The harassment has instilled such fear in Chen Ying and her daughter that they are afraid to even go out to shop, severely disrupting their daily life and mental well-being.  
2. The government’s use of “community personnel” and “unidentified individuals dressed in black clothing” to conduct surveillance is a method that lacks transparency and legal justification, creates an atmosphere of fear, and constitutes a blatant violation of fundamental civil rights. 
3. The Xi’an Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau asserting pressure under the guise of a “meeting,” along with the implied threat of police involvement (“the police will come looking for you”), is a clear form of intimidation and threat meant to suppress religious activities and free expression of citizens. 
4. This case clearly illustrates the lack of due process and fairness in Shanxi’s judicial system. The prolonged detention and delays in the legal process appear to be deliberate tactics to suppress religion and instill fear. 

ChinaAid Association calls for the immediate release of Han Xiaodong and other preachers and urges the public to pray for Pastor Han Xiaodong and his family in the hope that justice will prevail and he will soon regain his freedom.  

(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)  

(Linfen, Shanxi Province, China – April 11, 2025) April 9, 2025 was the second day of the pre-trial meeting for the case against 12 pastors and co-workers of the Linfen Golden Lampstand Church who have been charged with “fraud.”

According to reports, during the pre-trial meeting on April 8, the judge clearly stated that Pastor Yang Rongli (wife) and Pastor Wang Xiaoguang (husband) would be brought to court so defense attorneys could confirm details about excluding inadmissible evidence with them. However, during the April 9 pre-trial meeting, the judge broke this promise and did not bring the two pastors to court. The court had promised to provide all conveniences to defense lawyers, yet in court, even the printed case files that the court had promised were not provided. The court also prohibited lawyers from bringing their own computers into the courtroom. 

Defense Lawyers suspect verdict already made before trial

The first day’s pre-trial meeting ended at 5 PM, and simultaneously announced that the formal trial would begin at 9 AM the next day, a decision that drew protests from all defense attorneys. Some lawyers felt this arrangement showed they weren’t even trying to maintain the appearance of due process. The lawyers unanimously speculated whether the pre-trial meeting report had already been written, or even if the verdict had already been prepared. Many lawyers expressed anger about this in court, but the presiding judge remained silent and did not intervene regarding this unusual procedure. 

Lawyers forbidden to bring electronics in a “public” trial

During this pre-trial meeting, lawyers were not allowed to bring phones or computers into the courtroom. The court’s explanation was: since this pre-trial meeting was not open to the public, in order to prevent defense attorneys from making audio or video recordings that could create complications, all electronic devices capable of recording were prohibited for anyone entering the courtroom. However, when lawyers later asked if they could bring their own phones and computers when the court had clearly stated the case would be publicly tried, the judge still insisted this would not be allowed. Lawyers found this baffling. 

Local communities and officials mobilized and ordered to prevent church members attending court hearing

According to reports, the Yaodu District Court began implementing strict security measures on the evening of April 7, using drones for surveillance. Not only were Christians from the Linfen Golden Lampstand Church warned not to go to the court, with people monitoring the village and controlling road access, but Christians from Linfen Covenant Home Church were also harassed by community management office personnel, some visiting directly and others contacting church members at their workplaces. Everyone was told: “You cannot go to the Yaodu District Court.” When Christians asked why they couldn’t go, the reason was not provided. One official said:

“We must complete the task! If stability maintenance is not achieved, even if it’s just a small detail, it will affect the overall situation.” 

In recent years, church-related court cases have often become focal points for stability maintenance, with areas around courts operating under heightened security—guards posted every few steps—and relatives of accused Christians and church members not allowed to enter or even approach the courtroom. Some believe that Christians are peace-loving people, and that the government’s mobilization of police forces is a complete waste of taxpayer money. 

(Reported by Special Correspondent Ningmeng of ChinaAid) 

(Wuhan, Hubei – April 10, 2025) The spring of 2025, for Christian writer Li Xuewen, living in Wuhan, Jiangcheng, was a dramatic time in his faith journey. After experiencing more than two decades of spiritual seeking, Li was baptized into Christ on the evening of March 30 in Wuhan. The peace following his baptism was quickly shattered by government authorities.  

According to Li Xuewen, when he received his first communion, he was “trembling on the inside.”

“How can I, an unworthy sinner, receive the blessing of being loved by the Lord — this really is such immense grace and joy! I truly desire to take up my cross, repent, turn to righteousness, and run toward the heavenly path!”

That night, he shared a late-night meal with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who had come to witness his baptism, including Brother Tang Jingling, who came all the way from Jingzhou just to witness it and had been the one guiding him in his journey of faith.  

The Arrest

However, that joy and peace were quickly shattered after baptism. On the afternoon of March 31, three unidentified individuals knocked on the door of Li Xuewen’s rental apartment along the Yangtze River in Hankou. He quickly recognized one of them as someone who had harassed his residence prior to the “Two Sessions” in late February. Subsequently, Li Xuewen was taken to a community meeting room, where a person claiming to be personnel for the neighborhood community leader told him plainly that he was not welcome in Jiang’an District. Though acknowledging Li had done nothing illegal, the personnel cited “significant pressure from above” and demanded that he immediately vacate the apartment he had been living in for six months. Li Xuewen pointed out on the spot, saying, “This is a violation of rights and an illegal eviction.” The confrontation ended in a stalemate. 

The pressure to move did not stop there — it shifted to his landlord. On the afternoon of April 1, the landlord came with neighborhood Community personnel; the landlord was clearly agitated and demanded that Li Xuewen move out immediately. Li Xuewen apologized to the landlord and wished to delay moving until after the Qingming Festival, promising to communicate directly with the neighborhood community personnel. In subsequent talks with the neighborhood community office, the other party maintained its original stance. During this time, Li called the state security officer from his hometown and asked them to report his personal experience with illegal eviction to the provincial government. The officer asked if Li had connections with the Wuhan civic activist circle, subtly hinting at the possible reason behind the harassment. 

This was already the sixth forced eviction Li Xuewen had experienced, and the second time he was forced to move residence since his return to Wuhan in August last year. In just six months, he was forced to move twice, leaving him unable to settle in either of Hankou’s districts. As a Christian citizen, Li Xuewen acknowledged that persecution was to be expected, but the sheer intensity of the pressure still left him feeling angry, helpless, and exhausted. 

Encouragement in the midst of persecution

Considering his landlord’s situation and unwilling to continue exhausting himself against the pressure, Li Xuewen ultimately chose to move. During the Qingming holiday, he packed up his belongings and left his beloved Hankou, Jiangtan, there which are the familiar streets with Chinese parasol trees, colonial buildings, and old churches. As he departed, he silently recited the scriptures:

“You are foreigners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11), and

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10). 

In a surprising turn of events, as Li Xuewen was waiting for a vehicle as he was moving on April 6, a middle-aged woman approached the weary and discouraged writer. She handed him a paper inscribed with the word “Jesus” and told him, “Jesus loves you!” Li Xuewen saw this as a divine sign, believing that this sister in Christ evangelizing on the street was an encouragement sent by God at a moment of weakness. This sister in Christ also shared her own experiences of being persecuted for sharing the Gospel. 

Encouraged, Li Xuewen carefully tucked away the gospel flyer, regained his strength, and stepped into a new journey with his luggage, determined to continue “fighting the good fight.” Li Xuewen’s story echoes the saints in Hebrews 11 who wandered in the deserts, mountains, living in caves and holes in the ground, bearing witness to the hardships and difficulties of the journey of faith. However, they also shine with the courage and resilience that Christians display in adversity, sustained by unwavering love and grace. Indeed, the world was not worthy of them. 

This account is based on Christian writer Li Xuewen’s essay Departure from the River: Baptism, Persecution, and Testimony. 

(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)  

(Foshan, Guangdong Province, China – April 7, 2025) According to reports, five leaders and co-workers from Guangdong Foshan Shunde’s Shengjia Church – Zhu Longfei, Deng Yanxiang, Zhu Longjiang, Wang Weicai, and Zhu Qiaoling – were convicted of “illegal business operations” on January 16, 2025, when they received their verdict documents.

All five Christians were found guilty. They disagreed with the verdict and immediately appointed lawyers to appeal. Recently, the Foshan Intermediate Court has accepted their appeal. On the morning of April 5, Elder Zhu Longfei, Brother Wang Weicai, Brother Zhu Longjiang, and Sister Zhu Qiaoling went to the Foshan Intermediate Court to inquire about their case. 

Background of the Shengjia Church

Shengjia Church was established in 2006 by Elder Zhu Longfei and other believers. Previously, Elder Zhu Longfei attended services at an officially registered Three-Self church. Later, after discovering various problems within the Three-Self church, he reported these issues to the religious affairs departments. As a result, he was expelled from the Three-Self church by a joint effort of the religious affairs bureau and the Three-Self church pastor.

Subsequently, Zhu Longfei and other believers began holding services at home with relatives and friends, and also developed marriage and education ministries. Because of their diligent service, many believers’ lives were edified, and co-workers continued to emerge. 

The Church-printed Bible study materials

To guard against heresy and to meet the needs of nurturing believers and church pastoral care, the church began printing auxiliary Bible reading materials internally in 2019, after discussion among elders and deacons. These included “Daily Bible Readings and Interpretations” (CHINESE DAILY BREAD) compiled by the Hong Kong Bible Reading Association, as well as internal publications like the “Shengjia Church Member Handbook.” However, the printing of these materials was not for profit but to help believers develop a daily habit of reading the Bible and spiritual devotion, establish a good relationship with God, and experience life renewal and transformation.

The Police Raid against the church

On May 24, 2023, the church was raided by multiple departments including Shunde police, religious affairs bureau, department of education, and department of business administration.

• Pastor Deng Yanxiang, Deacon Zhu Longjiang, Deacon Wang Weicai, and Zhu Qiaoling were arrested by Shunde police on suspicion of “illegal business operations”.
• On August 9, 2023, Elder Zhu Longfei was arrested on charges of “illegal business operations.”
• On August 31, the church was banned by the Shunde District Civil Affairs Bureau. During their detention, the mother of Zhu Longfei, Zhu Longjiang, and Zhu Qiaoling was sent to a nursing home and passed away. 

On December 1, 2023, the Shunde District Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against the five Christians, seeking sentences of more than five years. 

The church promptly hired Christian lawyers, and many churches extended their help. The trial process was very lengthy. Sister Liang Dandan referred to them as “Pizza Hut” (a wordplay on “must win”). During this time, the court showed goodwill by arranging family meetings and releasing Zhu Longjiang and Zhu Qiaoling on bail. 

On January 16, 2025, the Shunde District People’s Court sentenced:

• Deng Yanxiang to two years in prison,
• Wang Weicai to one year and five months,
• Zhu Longjiang to one year and three months,
• Zhu Qiaoling to one year and three months, and
• Zhu Longfei to one year and two months.

With the exception of Deng Yanxiang, the others were released during or shortly after the trial. Deng Yanxiang, identified as the “principal offender,” remains in custody, and barring any special circumstances, his sentence will end on May 23, 2025. The five Christians believe the verdict was unfair and have filed an appeal to demonstrate their faith stance. 

(Reported by Special Correspondent Ningmeng of ChinaAid) 

(Linfen, Shanxi Province, China – April 7, 2025) According to an open prayer request letter issued by Shanxi Linfen Covenant House Church on April 7, 2025, recently, police stations, village committee officials, and community management offices from various districts in Linfen city – such as Yaodu District Railway Station Street Police Station, Yaodu District Construction Community, Yaodu District Sanyuan Community, Xiangning County Public Security, and Pu County Tailin Public Security – have been continuously and frequently calling members of Linfen Covenant House Church, asking them to cooperate with the police by signing documents and requesting face-to-face conversations, seriously affecting the lives of church brothers and sisters. 

Harassments extends to church members and family members

They are not only pressuring church members but also repeatedly harassing these members’ parents, siblings, and other relatives, demanding detailed personal addresses and phone numbers of church members. Some schools have even required children to get their parents’ signatures, making parents promise not to bring their children to “illegal gatherings” of Linfen Covenant House Church, claiming that Linfen Covenant House has been banned. Mr. Zhao, Party Secretary of Pu County even said: “Christianity is a cult!” 

April 1, 2025

On April 1, 2025, the Education Bureau of Yaodu District in Linfen City called Li Jie’s wife again, harassing Li Jie’s eldest son, Yinuo. Every time the police, education bureau, or community management office calls Li Jie’s wife, she experiences a lot of stress, becoming emotionally agitated with increased heart rate, and can only continuously pray. 

March 21, 2025

Between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on March 21, 2025, police officer Gao Junxiang (badge number 085554) from Xiangning County Guanghua Police Station repeatedly called a sister from the church, requesting that she send him her detailed address. 

March 26, 2025

At 11:30 AM on March 26, 2025, police officer Zhang Qi from the Railway Station Street Police Station called a brother from the church and asked: “What is your address? Where is your wife?” He identified himself as auxiliary police officer fj08924, but the number on his uniform was 080883. 

From March to April 6, 2025, Li Hong, a police officer, and the station chief from Pu County Tailin Police Station have been continuously calling a sister’s parents and uncle, repeatedly asking: “Where is your daughter? What is your daughter doing? Send me your daughter’s detailed address!” But they did not explain the reason for these inquiries. 

Background of Linfen Convenant Church case

The harassment of church members and their relatives continues to this day. The two pastors of Linfen Covenant House Church, Li Jie and Han Xiaodong, have been detained for 2 years and 8 months, falsely accused of “fraud” for believing in Christ. Since the first pre-trial meeting held on February 18-19, 2025, their families have not received any further notice about a trial date. 

In their prayer request letter, Linfen Covenant House Church earnestly asks everyone to pray for them, that the brothers and sisters may remain firm in their faith and maintain peace even while experiencing persecution and harassment. They also request prayers for those who are harassing the brothers and sisters, that they may respect faith, respect citizens, enforce the law civilly, and engage in friendly dialogue. 

(Reported by Special Correspondent Ningmeng for ChinaAid) 

• Wang Honglan: 4 years and 10 months, fined 1,000,000 yuan; to be released on February 14, 2026.
• Wang Jiale: 4 years and 6 months, fined 200,000 yuan; to be released on October 14, 2025.
• Liu Minna: 4 years and 6 months, fined 200,000 yuan; to be released on October 14, 2025.
• Yang Zhijun: 4 years and 3 months, fined 150,000 yuan; to be released on July 19, 2025.
• Ji Heying: 3 years, fined 20,000 yuan.
• Ji Guolong: 3 years, fined 20,000 yuan.
• Zhang Wang: 3 years, fined 20,000 yuan.
• Liu Wei: 3 years, fined 20,000 yuan.

• Li Chao: 1 year, fined 5,000 yuan; released on April 14, 2022, after being granted bail in 2022.

Their mission

The Arrest

The repeated delays of sentencing 

(Linfen, Shanxi – April 8, 2025) Twelve devout Christians from the Golden Lampstand Church in Linfen were forcibly brought to trial under blatantly politically motivated charges of “fraud” today. The courthouse was heavily guarded like a military zone, with all Christians strictly prohibited from approaching the site.  

“Marshall-Law-like” operations targeted at the Golden Lampstand Church

Eyewitnesses reported that every road from Dongcheng in Linfen to Yaoxian Street and Wuyi East Road was under tight control, with a large number of police and traffic officers stationed at each intersection as if facing a significant threat. The Yaodu District Court was surrounded by layers of armed police, like forming a fortress, heartlessly blocking out anxious families and fellow Christians.  

Shockingly, marshall law operations began even the night before. Drones were circling overhead for surveillance. Many church members of the Golden Lampstand Church had already received warnings and were strictly forbidden from going near the courthouse. Even more disturbing, unidentified individuals were seen surveilling villages, taking turns to guard key exits day and night to block Christians from leaving. Some Christians had unknown individuals stationed outside their homes, while village officials went door to door threatening believers. Schools also pressured Christian parents, forcing them to sign pledges not to participate in the trial of the Golden Lampstand Church. 

It is precisely because of this level of fear and control displayed by the authorities that exposes their intense suppression of religious freedom and deep fear of the truth.  

Church issued prayer request letter as the 12 church members face trials

According to reliable sources, in an effort to further isolate and suppress the church, the Yaodu District Court had secretly decided as early as March 5 to forcefully split the originally unified trial of 12 co-workers into separate cases. Today, the first group of 10 Christians to face trial includes: Li Shuangping, Zhao Guoai, Huo Zhuangping, Dong Yongyong, Feng Junying, Wu Ling’e, Wang Xianfeng, Yang Hongzhen, Chen Qinglan, and Li Qin. The high-profile couple of the church, Wang Xiaoguang and Yang Rongli, are scheduled to face a separate trial on April 17.  

The verdict has not yet been known. 

Before today’s absurd trial, the Golden Lampstand Church issued a heartbreaking prayer letter, urging Christians around the world to urgently pray for these faithful pastors and coworkers — asking God to grant them strength and courage from the Lord to bear fearless witness for their faith in court. Moreover, the church called for just and courageous lawyers to stand up and offer strong defense on their behalf.   

Background of the Golden Lampstand Church and the ongoing oppression from the Chinese government

This case has received significant attention since August 2021, when authorities brought charges against them for “fraud,” alleging that the church’s acceptance of donations constituted illegal activity. Even more shocking is that these 12 steadfast Christians were arrested as early as August 7, 2021, and have been deprived of their freedom in detention for three years and eight months. The legal disputes faced by members of the Golden Lampstand Church have extended far beyond the scope of a typical criminal case and have become a notable illustration of the Chinese government’s stringent crackdown on religious groups.  

Pastor Wang Xiaoguang, a leader of churches in Northwest China, has long been dedicated to spreading the Christian gospel and building up faith. His gentleness and perseverance are what made Golden Lampstand Church a spiritual home for many local Christians. It is precisely this unwavering faith and fearless pursuit of faith that caused him to become a target of the authorities’ suppression. Pastor Wang’s wife, Yang Rongli, on the other hand, has been a steadfast support behind him. Her kindness and wisdom have not only united the church community but also brought the light of hope to countless lost souls. Despite facing immense pressure, Pastor Wang Xiaoguang and his wife, Yang Rongli, have never abandoned their faith. This perseverance has become their greatest strength in the face of the court’s trial.  

The Chinese government’s tactic in accusing the Church on “fraud” charges

The Golden Lampstand Church case is no longer a simple legal matter. Since August 2021, charges against the church members have gradually become more apparent, with the core issue focusing on the church’s financial management, specifically on the use of offerings and tithes. Offerings and tithes are a normal means of financial support in Christian practice. However, in China, such practices are often perceived as a threat to the government’s control over religious activities, ultimately becoming an excuse for political suppression. To the Golden Lampstand Church and its members, every donation has become an accusation that they cannot avoid, and every expression of faith has been treated as a crime against political authority. 

Those familiar with the case know that, one month prior, authorities conducted a sweeping inspection across all communities in Linfen, Shanxi, focusing mainly on identifying “key members” of house churches. Preachers from other regions associated with Golden Lampstand Church were also taken away for investigation and questioning. Ultimately, however, the authorities targeted the core members of Golden Lampstand Church. It is evident that this is a case of false accusation.  

Prolonged interrogation, delayed court proceedings, and lengthy detention faced by the victims

Following the outbreak of the case, some church members were detained and subjected to prolonged interrogation. From the beginning of the case, church members faced detention and questioning. During the court proceedings, members were repeatedly pressured to accept government-appointed lawyers — these lawyers often maintain close ties with authorities, lack independence, and are unable to defend the church effectively. According to reports, some church members, under immense psychological and legal pressure, opted for “release on guarantee prior to trial.” In contrast, those church members who refused to compromise with the authorities remained in detention. 

The court proceedings were deliberately delayed. In March 2023, the case entered the trial phase, but the court postponed and intentionally delayed hearings three times, maintaining a state of no progress until April 2025. This fully exposes the injustice within China’s judicial system in handling religious cases and the severe repression of religious freedom. The prolonged trial process and the lack of clear legal resolution over several years have undoubtedly imposed a tremendous mental and physical burden on those involved.   

In addition, the government frequently uses economic means to suppress religious groups, specifically targeting areas of finance, risk, and donations. The Chinese government weakens the church’s social influence by seizing church property and accusing church members of misusing funds or engaging in “fraudulent” acts. For Golden Lampstand Church, the issue of donations has been used by authorities as a core reason for suppression — a practice that constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom.  

The Golden Lampstand Church as an example of the Chinese government’s broad oppression against religious freedom for all

The case of Golden Lampstand Church is not merely an isolated incident of religious suppression; it is a reflection of the broader state of religious freedom in China. All religious groups that are without government approval face immense pressure to survive. House churches and “underground” Catholic communities, in particular, almost universally suffer from harsh government policies and legal sanctions. Although the Chinese Constitution states that religious freedom is protected, in practice, all religious activities must be subject to government oversight. Unregistered religious groups have virtually no legal protection, and their space for activity continues to shrink — even personal expressions of faith are subject to strict surveillance. 

The plight of the Golden Lampstand Church is not only a sorrowful journey for its members but, even more so, the profound interrogation of the state of religious freedom in Chinese society. The perseverance and courage of the church community have become a voice that cannot be ignored within Chinese society, even under such intense legal and political pressure.

For Pastor Wang Xiaoguang, Pastor Wang’s wife Yang Rongli, and the other church members, the trial in the future is not merely a legal confrontation — it is a rigorous test of the justness of China’s religious policies. The encounter of Golden Lampstand Church has also become a focal point of international concern regarding religious freedom in China, highlighting that the power of faith and freedom remains an irreplaceable spiritual cornerstone even in this era of globalization.  

General Introduction of The Golden Lampstand Church

The Golden Lampstand Church, located in Shanxi, is a megachurch that adheres to the house church practices. It started as a small group of around 20 people, and after years of development, it has now grown to 50,000 members, becoming a significant force of faith in the local community. However, because the church refuses to join the “Three-Self Patriotic Association” organized by the Chinese government and steadfastly refuses to register with the Religious Affairs Bureau, it has repeatedly faced coercion and suppression.   

The founders of the church, Wang Xiaoguang, and Yang Rongli, were originally public servants at Shanxi Normal University. In 1998, they resigned and dedicated themselves full-time to church work. Yang Rongli was born into a Christian family and is a fifth-generation Christian. From 26 members, Golden Lampstand Church rapidly grew to 50,000 members and became a sensitive issue for the local government. It is an increase of thousands of times. Wang Xiaoguang is a soldier for Christ who is considered “zealous” in his faith. To weaken the church’s influence, the government employed methods such as cutting off water and electricity, and since 2004, Golden Lampstand Church has frequently been persecuted by the authorities. 

The 9.13 Linfen Church Case 

The most notable incident was the “9.13 Linfen Church Case” in the early morning of September 13, 2009. On that day, the government of Fushan County deployed over 500 police officers and plainclothes officers and  Golden Lampstand Church’s gathering site and its Gospel Shoe Factory, violently beating members who were resting in the dormitories, injuring hundreds of people, some of whom had to be sent to the hospital for treatment. The government also used bulldozers to destroy church buildings and seized property, including televisions, refrigerators, and vehicles. 

Subsequently, on September 23, the Golden Lampstand Church in Linfen was surrounded by armed police. On September 25, Yang Rongli and six other co-workers were intercepted by the police while making their way to Taiyuan in an attempt to petition. They were met with the government’s suggestion to purchase Golden Lampstand Church for 10 million yuan (~1.4 million United States Dollar), but Yang Rongli firmly refused. 

Pastor’s house raided and along with co-workers got sentenced to prison

Soon after, Pastor Wang Xiaoguang’s home was raided on October 8, and on October 11, Yang Rongli was criminally detained by the Public Security Bureau of Linfen City on charges of “illegal occupation of farmland” and “gathering a mob to create public disturbance of order.” In early November, nine church co-workers were criminally detained. On November 25, Linfen City Court sentenced Yang Rongli to seven years in prison and fined her 30,000 yuan, while Pastor Wang Xiaoguang was sentenced to three years in prison and fined 10,000 yuan. Other co-workers received different sentences. 

Co-worker Yang Xuan was sentenced to three and a half years in prison and fined 20,000 yuan; Co-worker Cui Jiaxing was sentenced to five and a half years in prison and fined 50,000 yuan; Co-worker Zhang Huamei was sentenced to four years in prison. On November 30 of the same year, five leaders, including Li Shuangping and his wife, were sentenced to two years of re-education labor camp. 

Church’s meeting sites forced to shut down and Churches got demolished

More than thirty meeting sites of Golden Lampstand Church were shut down. The faith of the church members faced severe repression. Pastor Wang Xiaoguang was released from prison in 2012, and Yang Rongli was released in 2016. Local religious bureau officials demanded for the church that she was leading to join the government-controlled “Three-Self Patriotic Association,” but Yang repeatedly refused.  

The government’s repression did not stop. On January 9, 2018, the Golden Lampstand Church building, constructed at a cost of 17 million yuan, was forcefully demolished by the government using explosives. On August 7, 2021, Yang Rongli, Wang Xiaoguang, and 12 other Christians were arrested again.  

Church members in prison got denied access to family members’ funerals

It is heartbreaking that Zhao Guoai’s husband passed away on December 3, 2023, and her request to be released on guarantee prior to trial for the reason of attending his funeral was denied. Similarly, Li Shuangping’s mother passed away on January 16, 2025, and her request for release on guarantee prior to trial on the basis of attending her mother’s funeral was also rejected by the detention center. Despite facing repeated hardships and challenges, the members of Golden Lampstand Church have remained steadfast in their faith.  

ChinaAid calls on the international community to advocate for the Golden Lampstand Church

This is not just a struggle for faith but also a defense of freedom, dignity, and human rights. The story of Golden Lampstand Church continues to spark widespread attention and discussion in Chinese society. As the whole world watches as the case unfolds, ChinaAid strongly condemns this persecution and firmly stands in solidarity with the church community of the Golden Lampstand Church. We call on the international community to pay urgent attention to this horrifying case and to issue the strongest appeal to the Chinese government to immediately end the brutal persecution of Christians, release all religious individuals falsely accused, and protect citizens’ most basic right to freedom of religion. 

Related News Coverage  

Linfen Pastors Protest Destruction of Golden Lampstand Church (Apr, 2010)

Wife of Linfen Church Leader Released on Medical Parole (May, 2011)

Five Linfen Church Leaders Released After 2 Years in Labor Camp: Glorifying God in Trials & Tribulations (Aug, 2011)

Overseas Chinese Christian Businesswoman Who Visited House Churches in China is Kidnapped, Tortured by State Security Agents (Jan, 2012)

Persecuted Linfen Church Writes Open Letter to President Xi Jinping (Jun, 2013)

Christian Today: Chinese Megachurch Pastor Released After Seven Years In Prison (Oct, 2016)

Golden Lampstand Church: 16 months without trial (Dec, 2022)

(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)