Taking Bold Steps: Church Defies Police to Worship, Congressman Calls on Obama to Intervene
by Staff
November 25, 2009
MEDIA ADVISORY, (christiansunite.com) -- As the Chinese government continues to repress house churches and human rights defenders, members of the international community are taking bold actions for change:11/23/2009 -- 500 Wanbang Church Members Meet Despite Leaders' Detentions
SHANGHAI, -- On Sunday, November 22, Wanbang church pastors Cui Quan, Cui Longguo, Liu Quanqin, and Huang Yun were detained for over 8 hours and interrogated for allegedly "engaging in illegal organization and activities." Two church deacons, Piao Longyi and Shi Weidong, were detained over Saturday night to prevent them from leading worship. Despite the detention of their leaders, over 500 dedicated church members assembled outdoors to hold the two scheduled morning worship services. Police tried to intimidate members and prevent them from worshipping, but they stood their ground and refused to stop singing. Shanghai PSB officers have interrogated and detained many of the 2,000 members of Wanbang Missionary Church, but the church continues to meet.
11/23/2009 -- U.S. Congressman Holds Emergency Press Conference for Attorney Jiang Tianyong, WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Monday, Nov. 23, Congressman Chris Smith, NJ-4th District, rallied Congressmen, Chinese activists, and China policy experts together for an emergency press conference on behalf of persecuted human rights attorney Jiang Tianyong. Jiang was interrogated and escorted home by police after trying to meet with President Obama in Beijing on Nov. 18. The following day, he was detained, his wife beaten, and his daughter interrogated by Beijing PSB. Congressman Smith called for President Obama to intervene directly on Jiang Tianyong's behalf. Hear Congressman Smith's remarks;
BREAKING NEWS: LINFEN-FUSHAN CHURCH LEADER TRIAL TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY
11/19/2009-The trial for pastors Yang Rongli, Wang Xiaoguang, Yang Xuan, Zhang Huamei, and Cui Jiaxing is scheduled to be held at 8:30 AM, this Wednesday, November 25 in Shanxi. Watch for breaking news updates.
ChinaAid thanks those who spoke out on behalf of Jiang Tianyong. We honor the faith and commitment of Wanbang Church members, and encourage other free leaders to take a strong and direct approach to human rights issues in China.
For more info. or to get involved, visit www.ChinaAid.org.
