China Church Arrests: "Early Rain" Leaders Detained, "Yayang" Building Destroyed

Chinese authorities have arrested leaders of a prominent Christian church and demolished another church building, according to religious groups. The actions target two churches in China. Members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu report that its leaders have been taken into custody. Separately, the building housing Yayang Church in Zhejiang province is being torn down by officials. These events are part of a wider government campaign. In recent years, China has increased control over religious practice, especially unofficial churches not registered with the state. The government states it is enforcing laws on illegal construction and maintaining social order. The Early Rain church is influential and well-known internationally. Its previous leader, Pastor Wang Yi, was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2023 for "illegal business operations" and "inciting subversion." Religious freedom observers describe these actions as a significant intensification of pressure on China's Christian community.