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Final Statement in Court
(Yueyang, Hunan, China – May 25, 2025) On May 16, Pastor Huang Peter of a house church in Yueyang, Hunan, delivered his final statement in court regarding his case. Huang Peter had previously been subjected to administrative punishment by the Yueyanglou Branch of the Yueyang Public Security Bureau for organizing gatherings in homes.
This decision was later upheld by the Yueyanglou District People’s Government of Yueyang City. In the final stage of the hearing, Pastor Huang Peter firmly denied the relevant allegations and asserted that his actions fell within the scope of religious freedom protected by the Constitution.
Defense of Religious Freedom
In his statement, Pastor Huang Peter said: “Today, I stand here once again for the faith I uphold, for the rights granted to me by the Constitution, and for the dignity a citizen deserves.” He looked back on the case in its entirety and stated that the administrative penalty issued by the Yueyanglou Branch of the Yueyang Public Security Bureau, and the decision to uphold it by the district government, were “wrong,” constituted a “distortion” of the facts, a “misapplication” of the law, and an “infringement” on religious freedom.
Pastor Huang Peter admitted to organizing gatherings in homes, sharing the Bible, and exchanging beliefs. However, he emphasized that this “does not constitute illegal social activity, nor does it endanger social order.” “What I did was simply gather in our own or the homes of friends or family, with friends who share our faith, to seek comfort for our souls and explore the true meaning of life. Shouldn’t that be protected?” He explained.
He cited Article 36 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, which guarantees citizens the freedom of religious belief, stating that citizens have the right to choose their faith and to conduct religious activities, provided they do not violate the law. Pastor Huang Peter emphasized that the gatherings he organized “did not involve illegal preaching, did not incite any hatred, and did not threaten anyone’s safety,” they were merely “an expression of personal belief and a form of spiritual fellowship.”
Call for Justice
Pastor Huang Peter urged the court to conduct a fair hearing of this case, to respect his faith, and to uphold the dignity of the law. He earnestly requested that the judge “revoke the first-instance judgment, rescind the erroneous administrative penalty and the decision to uphold it, order compensation for my losses, and deliver justice to me.”
In the closing of his statement, Pastor Huang Peter expressed his unwavering commitment to uphold his faith and his belief that “truth will ultimately triumph over falsehood, and justice will ultimately prevail over evil.”
Awaiting Court Ruling
The court has not yet issued a ruling on this case. However, it has drawn public attention to issues surrounding religious freedom and house church activities in China.
(Reported by Special Correspondent Gao Zhensai of ChinaAid)
