While recent attention has focused on the release of Zion Church founding pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, reports from across China indicate authorities continue to detain, question, and investigate Christians affiliated with both house churches and state-sanctioned congregations.
In recent weeks, officials in multiple provinces have reportedly raided church gatherings, detained pastors and believers, and pursued criminal or administrative cases against ministry workers. It reflects continued pressure on unregistered Christian communities.
Because Chinese authorities tightly restrict public information, many details remain difficult to verify independently. The following roundup summarizes the latest reported developments as of July 15, 2026. (See last month’s update here.)
Central China
House church pastor detained and fined | Henan Province
According to reports released July 12, authorities intervened in a house church gathering held in late June in Zhumadian City, Henan Province. Pastor Zhao, who led the gathering, was taken into custody and accused of “illegally organizing gatherings.”
The pastor received 15 days of administrative detention and was fined RMB 1,500 (about US$220).
Cedar Tree Church shut down, pastor remains detained | Hubei Province
According to information released July 9, authorities raided Cedar Tree Church, a house church in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, on June 24. Pastor Guo Xiaolin and his wife, Liang Cuili, were detained during the operation, and the church was shut down.
Both were initially ordered to serve 15 days of administrative detention and were scheduled for release July 10. However, recent reports indicate Pastor Guo was not released after completing his sentence but was instead transferred directly to a detention center.
Southern China
Three-Self Church leader taken, remains missing | Yunnan Province
Tao Shimin, leader of a Three-Self Patriotic Church in Daguan County, Yunnan Province, was recently detained by public security authorities.
According to reports, the detention is connected to Tao’s previous participation in a training program organized by South Korean Christians. He remains unreachable, and his whereabouts and condition are unknown.
Panshi Bible Church raided; clergy and believers arrested | Hunan Province
Authorities in Yueyang, Hunan Province, reportedly raided Panshi Bible Church on July 11. Those arrested included Pastor Huang Lei, Elder Yang Jianjun, church teacher Yuan Shiying, several congregants, and children and teenagers attending church activities.
Believers Zhou Yali, Yang Chun, and others were detained while participating in a parenting class study group. According to reports, the operation continued until late at night.
Around 9 p.m., preacher Hu Hongtao was forcibly taken from his home by police and has not returned. Another preacher, Mai Weiqiang, who has long suffered from liver cancer, also remains unreachable.
Christian woman remains detained, three others released | Guangdong Province
Several Christians in Guangzhou were investigated after distributing creation science and Christian apologetics materials. Authorities accused the group of “illegal business operations.” and one woman identified as Sister Meiling remains in police custody while facing possible prosecution.
According to a ChinaAid source, Meiling said she helped with the layout and design of certain “Origins Science” materials. She said her actions were motivated by her Christian faith and charitable intentions and were not intended to generate profit or support commercial activity.
Three other individuals connected to the case have been released on bail pending trial. Police are also searching for another person believed to be connected to the investigation who remains in hiding.
As ChinaAid continues to monitor these developments, churches are urged to join us in prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters. All advocates can take steps to speak up for the rights of the oppressed.
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.