China detains 2 leaders of prominent underground church in Sichuan as SWAT team raids service – rights group (opens original article in a new tab)

Chinese authorities detained two leaders of an underground Protestant church in Sichuan after a police raid, part of a broader crackdown on unregistered religious groups, with over 30 members detained and questioned.

• Chinese authorities detained two leaders of Early Rain Covenant Church after a police raid on a service in Sichuan
• More than 30 church members were taken to a detention centre for questioning, with two elders receiving administrative detention
• Rights groups report increased crackdowns on unregistered Christian churches in China under President Xi Jinping
• Chinese foreign ministry defended religious laws, stating they protect citizens' freedom of belief and normal religious activities
• SWAT teams interrupted a church service, with police surrounding congregants including children