Communists launch new attacks on religious freedom in China

China (MNN/OD) — Secret police arrested Cai Zhuohu and other believers in a sudden surge of raids against Christians. Sources with Open Doors say the well-known evangelical leader faces an extremely harsh sentence because of his involvement with house church leadership and religious literature distribution.

The new campaign flies in the face of Beijing’s recent announcement of positive changes in religious policy. A Chinese language magazine says the regime has issued three internal directives calling for much tighter control. These directives reportedly aim to deter the conversion of Communist Party members, slow the spread of religion and religious organizations, and reduce religious activity on university campuses.

Pray for believers in China as they consider suffering for Christ a blessing. Pray for their safety and pray that the message of the Gospel will spread despite the government’s crack-down.