(Bengbu, Anhui province) On October 23, Cornerstone Reformed Church sent an update for their arrested pastor and co-workers who were charged with “fraud”. On September 18, the case was returned to Public Security Bureau for review, and has been transferred to Bengbu City Yuhui District People’s Procuratorate again for review and prosecution.
Returned for review
After the case was returned for review, national security agents took some Christians of the church to police station for interrogation. They pressured them, threatening them. Families of the arrested Christians continue to suffer. Their families miss them and look forward to their return.
You Xiulin update
Currently, Pastor Wan Changchun’s wife You Xiulin is no longer under residential surveillance at a designated location (RSDL). She has been released on bail, and the original charge against her has been revoked.
Background
On April 11, Bengbu police travelled to Lijiang city, Yunnan province and arrested Pastor Wan Changchun when he was serving local believers. They charged him with “illegal business operations” and detained him in Bengbu City Detention Center. Later, his wife You Xiulin was taken to police station for interrogation. Elder Xue Shaoqiang, Pastor Wan Changchun’s sister Wan Chunqin, co-worker Cao Bin (Cao Binting), and another male Christian were also criminally detained one after another. Many other elders, deacons, and co-workers were summoned for interrogation. Cornerstone Reformed’s accounts were thoroughly audited and bank accounts were frozen.
You Xiulin’s bank cards were confiscated. Authorities threatened her, and prohibited her from posting anything on social media or speaking with her family,
Fraud charges
On May 18, Bengbu City Yuhui District People’s Procuratorate changed the charge against Pastor Wan Changchun. Yuhui District Public Security Bureau formally arrested him under the charge of “fraud”. They also sued another four co-workers and pastor Wan’s wife with with the same charge.
Call to Prayer
Cornerstone Reformed Church sent out a public prayer request letter, reiterating a call to prayer:
- Our church is a house church. We are not registered with the civil affairs bureau and other departments
- Our pastor was ordained according to the Holy Bible’s teaching and was approved by all members of the church
- All the donations and offerings are willingly offered by members of the church. There were no forced donations.
- All the church’s expenses are transparent and are published periodically. Members are aware of and approve the expenses
~Yu Bing, ChinaAid Special Reporter