(Wenzhou, Zhejiang — July 31, 2025) In June 2025, six Christians from the Taizhou, Wenzhou, and Ningbo regions of Zhejiang Province were implicated in a case. Among them, Pastor Huang Yizi of Fengwo Church in Pingyang, Wenzhou, was taken into custody again on June 26. As of now, two individuals have been released on bail pending trial, while the remaining four, including Pastor Huang Yizi, are still being detained. The case has been transferred to the procuratorate and has entered the review and approval for arrest stage. A decision on formal arrest is expected later this week. 

According to Pastor Huang Yi’s wife, Ms. Lin Aili, as of July 29, two of the individuals involved in this case, two sisters in Christ, Ding Liqing (from Wenling City) and Shao Haiyan (from Ningbo), were granted bail and safely returned home on July 26. Pastor Huang Yizi, Li Yongfeng (from Taizhou), and two other Christians remain in custody, facing accusations such as alleged “sale of sermon players” and “illegal business operations”. 

Restrictions on Religious Expression

In China, internet and religious censorship are rigorous. Only formally registered churches are allowed to apply for websites, which are subject to rigorous content review. The vast majority of house churches cannot operate independent websites, and even social media platforms such as WeChat public accounts are rarely allowed to distribute Christian content. 

Against this backdrop, some Christian technical personnel have developed simple electronic evangelism tools such as the sermon players. These devices are preloaded with a large number of hymns and sermon recordings, making it easier for Christians to listen to biblical content. They are especially popular among the elderly with deteriorated eyesight and individuals who are unable to attend church services, serving as an important tool for personal devotion. 

The church’s promotion of sermon players is not for profit but is part of its ministry work. 

Perspective from the Legal Community

Fang Xiangui, a lawyer who previously represented over a hundred churches in Wenzhou opposing the government’s forced demolition of crosses, stated: “This case is, in essence, still a matter of religious persecution.” 

In her prayer letter, Pastor Huang Yizi’s wife, Ms. Lin Aili, expressed her gratitude for the support they have received: “Thank you to all the brothers and sisters from churches across various regions for your enduring care and intercession in prayers, thank you to the lawyers for their tireless efforts, and thank you to our family, friends, and everyone who has shown concern for us.” 

The Day of Release: A Joyful Reunion

She recalled the moment on the day when Ding Liqing and Shao Haiyan were released: On the morning of July 26, Christians concerned about the case and the women’s family members had gathered early outside the detention center. Although heavy rain soaked their shoes and socks, everyone was filled with joy upon reuniting with their long-separated church members. Around noon, the family received a call from the police to pick them up at the Pingyang highway entrance. When they arrived, a black car was already parked there. 

Though visibly thinner, Ding and Shao showed joy on their faces because of God is with them, which greatly comforted everyone,” said Ms. Lin. The Christians greeted one another warmly, while the police repeatedly warned about the highway’s safety risks and urged them to leave quickly, wearing masks as they advised and directed the crowd. In the end, the crowd could only wave goodbye. The two released Christians are not from Pingyang, Wenzhou, and have since returned to their respective cities.

Prosecutor Sun Bin who is undertaking the case.

Escalation of Religious Suppression in Zhejiang

In recent years, Zhejiang Province, particularly Wenzhou, has seen frequent sensitive incidents related to religious activity. In the Catholic sphere, priests from the state-sanctioned Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association have been detained for offenses such as printing hymnbooks, while “underground bishops” have been secretly detained for presiding over mass. A local church in Cangnan, Wenzhou, was also raided, and its meeting venue was sealed off. 

Cross Removals and Church Demolitions Since 2014

Since 2014, crosses from numerous churches across Zhejiang have been forcibly removed, and there are some instances where entire church buildings have even been demolished. This policy is widely seen as a manifestation of the government’s tightening control over religion and has drawn continued condemnation and concern from Christians in China and abroad, human rights organizations, and multiple governments abroad. 

Pastor Huang Yizi’s Role and Continued Targeting

Pastor Huang Yizi is one of the victims of this “cross removal” campaign. He actively spoke out against the demolition of church crosses and was repeatedly suppressed for it. He was previously sentenced on charges such as “gathering a crowd to disturb public order”. His recent re-arrest and indictment on charges of “illegal business operations” are widely viewed by the public as another instance of the authorities’ ongoing suppression of religious leaders. 

ChinaAid strongly condemns this case, the Wenzhou authorities’ persecution of Pastor Huang Yizi and other Christians involved in this case, as well as the Catholic clergy and the local assembly, which constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom. We call for an immediate end to all forms of religious persecution. 

(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)