(Chengdu, Sichuan – May 31, 2025) On the morning of May 28th, police officers from the Jitouqiao Police Station of the Wuhou District Public Security Bureau in Chengdu forcibly entered the rental residence of Early Rain Covenant Church members Fan Dingwen and his wife, Zhang Ping. They forcibly packed and removed the couple’s belongings, forcing them to leave. This incident once again highlights the severe challenges facing religious freedom in China and the increase in seemingly harsher measures taken by authorities, particularly to suppress house churches. 

Ongoing pressure and harassment by authorities

Fan Dingwen and his wife moved from Shanghai to Chengdu in March of this year, intending to transfer their membership to Early Rain Covenant Church. Since mid-May, they have faced ongoing pressure from local police and community authorities. According to a prayer letter issued by the Early Rain Covenant Church, on May 17, the couple was first approached by police, workers of their residential community, and their landlord, who demanded personal information and demanded them to move out. Fan Dingwen refused the demand at that time and agreed to go to the local police station to register on May 19.

In response, the church called on members to pray, asking God to grant Brother Fan courage and wisdom to respond to police inquiries, like it’s taught in 1 Peter 3:14-15

“Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  

The pressure did not cease. In a public prayer on May 25, the church again prayed for the couple, noting that they had met with officers from Jitouqiao Police Station and their landlord on May 19 and once again refused the unreasonable demand from the police to relocate. On May 22, they faced another eviction attempt and were even subjected to a cutoff of water and electricity. At that time, the church asked members to pray for the couple, asking God for grace to help them take root in Chengdu, commit to Early Rain, and be willing to endure persecution for their faith, ready to relocate at any time as a testimony of their faith. 

Chinese government’s blatant violation of religious freedom

The forced eviction of Fan Dingwen and his wife is not only a blatant violation of citizens’ lawful right to residence but also a suppression of basic religious freedom. Without any legal ruling or justifiable reason, government authorities forcibly entered a private residence and removed the tenants’ belongings, an act that seriously undermines the spirit of the rule of law. 

Although the Chinese government repeatedly claims to protect citizens’ freedom of religious belief, in reality, the suppression of house churches has never ceased. From the arrest of Early Rain Covenant Church Pastor Wang Yi to ordinary Christians now being forced from their homes simply for choosing their faith, these incidents expose the hypocrisy of the government’s religious policies. This ongoing persecution not only damages the credibility of the government but also raises serious concerns about China’s human rights situation. The international community should continue to monitor and condemn such human rights violations. ChinaAid calls on the Chinese government to truly fulfill its promises to protect religious freedom. 

(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)