(Sichuan, China) The public security bureau is investigating three Christians from Zili Church. They were charged with alleged “fruad” but were released on bail pending trial.
Three Christians
Sources stated that Liu Nan (also known as Liu Geshan), a male believer with the last name Fan, and a female believer with the last name Yue, were subjected to investigation by the public security authorities. Their investigation involved matters related to tithes and offerings. The three individuals were collectively listed as suspects in a fraud case. Starting from August 11, 2023, these three individuals have been released on bail pending trial.
Message from Liu Nan
Liu Nan reflected on the fraud charges and the investigation. According to her, Zili Church practices tithes and offerings, as well as “helping orphans and widows, showing compassion to the poor, and demonstrating God’s love among believers.” Unfortunately, fraud charges indicate that the Communist government wants to discredit Zili Church’s tithes. “We have never coerced believers into tithes and offering,” Liu said, “nor have we engaged in any unlawful or disorderly activities. My faith is pure, I love God and my country, I am friendly and caring towards fellow believers, and I am warm-hearted and kind to others. My family is harmonious, I am dedicated and diligent in serving, and I maintain good relationships with those around me. I have no criminal record. Unexpectedly, I have encountered this situation. I kindly ask my [church] family to spare valuable time to pray for us and to keep watch over the Zili Church.”
New norm
In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party authorities have used church tithes and offerings as a reason to impose fraud charges to bring down Christian churches, arresting and sentencing many church pastors and co-workers. Recently, similar cases have been added. Fraud is now the norm in the persecution of Christian house churches in mainland China.
~Gao Zhensai, Special Correspondent of ChinaAid
