(BEIJING, CHINA — Oct. 30, 2026) — Chinese authorities approved the arrest of Beijing Jiaquan Church pastor Cui Xianfeng (Choi Heonbong), who also goes by Zhou Zixun, on suspicion of fraud Oct. 23, while releasing seven detained coworkers on bail following a raid on the unregistered congregation in northern China.
Cui remains at Beijing’s Shijingshan District Detention Center. All eight Christians were detained following a Sept. 4 police operation targeting preparations for Jiaquan Church’s 20th anniversary celebration.
As previously reported by ChinaAid News, Jiaquan is an independent house-church network serving more than 1,000 believers in several parts of China. Its leaders have maintained their independence from China’s government-controlled Protestant religious system.
At about 5:50 p.m. Sept. 4, approximately 50 church members were preparing a Beijing hotel conference room for the anniversary celebration when more than 100 police officers, including plainclothes personnel, surrounded them.
Police detained seven Christians at the scene and Cui elsewhere. Several days later, two original detainees were released, while authorities detained two other church leaders, leaving eight people in criminal detention.
Cui’s wife previously argued that the fraud allegations stemmed from government scrutiny of church offerings and Jiaquan’s unregistered status. Chinese authorities have not publicly provided details of the evidence underlying the accusations.
Church vows to remain independent
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, Cui’s wife, Cui Jinrong, also known as Choi Jinyoung, issued a public statement describing continuing government pressure on Jiaquan Church and calling for attention and prayer from people in China and abroad.
She said Jiaquan would remain an independent house church guided by biblical teachings and historical Christian traditions. She emphasized that the church has no political aspirations or opposition to secular authorities, and urged officials to recognize Christianity’s contributions to family harmony and social stability.
According to the statement, Cui Xianfeng sent a message from detention encouraging fellow believers to “hold fast to their faith and never lose hope.” His wife requested prayers for his health and for the seven released coworkers, who she said suffered physical and psychological trauma during interrogation.
She also reported that other church members continue to face questioning and pressure from public security authorities. The defense team is preparing further legal proceedings seeking the pastor’s release and the eventual acquittal of all eight Christians.
After marrying in 1997, the couple traveled to California the following year to study at Biola University. Following Cui Xianfeng’s graduation, they returned to Beijing in late 2005 and founded Jiaquan Church in 2006.
Cui Jinrong, who holds South Korean citizenship, has repeatedly been denied a visa to enter China and reunite with her husband. She has been unable to return to the country for three consecutive years.
The case comes amid continuing government pressure on unregistered Protestant congregations in China. Leaders of Beijing Zion Church have also faced fraud allegations following coordinated detentions that began in October 2025, as previously reported by ChinaAid News.
As of publication, local police and relevant government departments had not issued an official response regarding the Jiaquan Church case.
Gao Zhensai is a special correspondent for ChinaAid News. Founded in 2002, ChinaAid is an international Christian human rights organization committed to promoting religious freedom and the rule of law in China through advocacy, legal support, and international awareness campaigns.