Chinese local authorities have released all 18 house church leaders arrested in Langzhong city, Sichuan province, on June 9.
ChinaAid Association said they were released due to pressure from many supporters who called the Public Security Bureau (PSB) office after seeing ChinaAid's press release.
Thirteen of the leaders were detained for 10 days before being released on June 23.
More than 30 house church leaders were gathered in Pastor Li Ming's house church in Langzhong city when the arrests took place.
Several dozen officials in six to seven police vehicles from the local Domestic Security Protection Squad surrounded the site, before arresting all 30 of the Christians and searching the house. Police released 12 leaders the same day, but detained 18.
ChinaAid and the 18 released house church leaders have expressed their gratitude towards the Christians whose prayers and phone calls led to their release.
ChinaAid and other persecution watchdogs say house churches and their leaders continue to face persecution in China, an officially communist country.
Although China allows Christians to practise their faith, it believes the state should have ultimate control over the church.
The leaders of unregistered churches, meanwhile, say only God has authority over the church and its affairs.
There are believed to be at least 40 million house church members in China.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.