(JIANGXI PROVINCE, CHINA — Oct. 22, 2026) — Chinese police detained more than 20 Christians during a Sunday gathering at a private home in southeastern China, with several still in custody Monday amid broader restrictions on religious worship outside government-approved churches, according to local believers.
The Oct. 18 raid occurred about 9:30 a.m. in Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province, where Deng’an Church leader Mr. Ding was sharing scripture at a believer’s home in Phoenix Mountain Villa. Eyewitnesses said approximately 40 armed police officers entered the residence and detained more than 20 participants.
Several detainees were released and returned home Sunday evening. But as of Monday, Ding and several other church workers remained in custody, and their families had received no official detention notices or other legal documents, according to church sources.
Church insiders described Ding as a longtime participant in religious outreach and humanitarian work, helping older adults, people who are ill and those with disabilities. Church representatives said they would seek legal assistance if those still detained were not released soon.
Broader restrictions on house churches
China generally requires organized worship to take place through government-approved religious institutions and venues. Unregistered Protestant congregations operating outside this system have faced police raids, closures and detentions as authorities seek greater oversight of religious activities.
In Jiangxi, authorities have previously taken action against independent Christian groups. On June 26, the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Civil Affairs formally banned two organizations — the China Christian Church and Poyang Lake Fellowship — according to a recent ChinaAid report.
Last November, police in Nanchang, Jiangxi’s capital, reportedly detained a Christian identified as Zhenyu during a gathering with university students. His family also received no formal notice of custody, according to an earlier report.
Pastor Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, said the latest incident reflected the risks facing independent congregations.
“This incident highlights China’s strict stance and law enforcement practices in managing religious affairs,” Fu said. “As the authorities continue to strengthen oversight of unregistered religious groups, house churches still face significant legal and political risks when holding gatherings in private spaces.”
Fu continued that “during law enforcement operations, procedural transparency and the timely delivery of legal documents are undoubtedly crucial to protecting citizens’ lawful rights and interests and maintaining public trust.”
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.