Archive · 19 Nov 2025
China Arrests 18 Underground Church Leaders, Facing Up to 3 Years in Jail
In China, 18 leaders of an unofficial Christian church were arrested.
They could spend up to 3 years in jail for using the internet to spread their messages.
This is the largest arrest of Christian leaders in China since 2018.
Some people have already been released.
18 leaders of Zion Church, an unofficial 'house church', were formally arrested
They face up to 3 years in jail for 'illegally using information networks'
Nearly 30 pastors and staff were detained nationwide in mid-October
This is the biggest crackdown on Chinese Christians since 2018
Five people were released in October, and four more on bail around November 10
- Who
- 18 leaders of Zion Church, an unofficial Christian church in China
- What
- were formally arrested for 'illegally using information networks'
- When
- on Tuesday, November 16, 2021
- Where
- in the southern city of Beihai, China
- Why
- for operating an unofficial church and using the internet to spread their messages
Chinese Government
Christian Community
Illegal Activities
Chinese Government
The Chinese government views Zion Church's activities as illegal, as it is not sanctioned by the government and uses the internet to spread its messages.
Christian Community
The Christian community argues that their right to practice and spread their faith is being infringed upon.
- Church Name
- Zion Church
- Founded
- 2007
- Members
- About 5,000
- Cities
- Nearly 50 cities
- Arrested Leaders
- 18
- Maximum Sentence
- 3 years in jail
- Previously Detained
- Nearly 30 pastors and staff
- Released
- 5 in October, 4 on bail around November 10