(Xi’an — October 18, 2025) A Chinese Christian sentenced for selling Christian books has fallen gravely ill while serving his prison term. His family has issued an urgent appeal calling on authorities to grant him medical parole so he can receive timely treatment.
Background: Couple Imprisoned for Selling Christian Literature
Chang Yuchun is a Christian active in northwest China. He was charged along with his wife, Li Chenhui, in 2020 for “illegal business operations” for the sale of Christian literature. Both were sentenced to seven years in prison and are currently serving their sentence, with their terms set to end in September 2027.
Health Crisis and Family’s Urgent Appeal
On Friday, the couple’s eldest son, Chang Shengyi, released a statement stating that his father had suddenly developed a severe spinal condition, severely limiting his mobility and even giving him great difficulty when it comes to using the restroom. According to his account, Chang Yuchun was taken to the prison clinic on October 16 after experiencing sudden intense pain. Preliminary examinations indicated spinal slippage and a fractured lumbar spine, along with hyperostosis. The doctor recommended further assessment and treatment at a regular hospital.
Family’s Faith Amid Hardship
“We are deeply worried that his condition will continue to worsen,” Chang Shengyi wrote. He currently lives in Beijing with his two younger siblings and is caring for his elderly grandparents. Despite having immense pressure in life, he expressed that the whole family remains “grateful to still have food and clothing.”
Chang Shengyi called on the prison authorities to grant his father medical parole as soon as possible to prevent missing the timing for treatment. “May the Lord have mercy on my father andgrant my father abundant grace to experience His presence in suffering,” he wrote at the end of his statement.
International Attention and Human Rights Concerns
The case has drawn the attention of organizations advocating for religious freedom. The U.S.-based organization ChinaAid expressed that the couple’s imprisonment and experience is yet another example of the Chinese government’s ongoing suppression of unregistered house churches. The association urges Beijing to exercise “the spirit of humanitarianism” and to promptly allow Chang Yuchun to receive appropriate medical care.
Context: Legal Restrictions on Religious Publishing in China
In China, publishing or distributing Christian books without official authorization can lead to criminal prosecution. Under China’s Criminal Law, unauthorized publication or sale of materials can constitute “illegal business operations.” This has been a charge human rights groups have long criticized as vague in characterization and frequently used to curb religious activity and silence dissent.
At the time of this report, prison authorities and relevant government departments have not issued any public response regarding this matter.
ChinaAid Association
