Christmas Celebration Raided in Inner Mongolia, Rearrested Christian leader bailed in Xinjiang

China Aid Association
(Midland, Texas — January 2, 2007) Christmas Celebration Raided in Inner Mongolia, Rearrested Christian leader bailed in Xinjiang
CAA learns that a Christmas celebration activity held by a house church in Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, was attacked by the local police, 3 church leaders are being detained.
On December 29, 2006 about 30 policemen and the staff of the local Religious Affair Bureau in 5 vehicles attacked a Christmas celebration gathering in Duolun County, Inner Mongolia. They declared the celebration as “illegal gathering,” and three church leaders were detained and sentenced to 15 days administrative detention.
This is the second celebration activity held by the church during Christmas. The 3 detained Christians are:  Sister Liu Guanghua, 42 years old; Sister Zhi Huiping, 41 years old; and Sister Zhi Ruiping, 35 years old. All of them are being held at Duolun County Detention Centre.
CAA also learns that brother Lou Yuanqi, a house church leader in Xinjiang, who was rearrested December 23, 2006 was allowed to be bailed pending trial December 29, 2006. It is believed that the arrest is to deter the Christians from holding any Christmas celebration.
“To attack and arrest peaceful Christians during Christmas season is contrary to both the spirit of Christmas and the Chinese law. “said Bob Fu, the president of CAA, “we urge the Chinese government to release the 3 innocent church leaders immediately.”