Beijing House Church Pastor Arrested Amid Ongoing Crackdown

Chinese authorities have formally arrested Pastor Cui Xianfeng, leader of the independent Beijing Jiaquan Church, on allegations of fraud. The arrest follows a September 4 police raid involving over 100 officers, which targeted a hotel venue where church members were preparing for the congregation's 20th anniversary. While seven other church workers detained during the operation have since been released on bail, Pastor Cui remains in custody at the Shijingshan District Detention Center.

Cui’s wife, Jin Young Gu, stated that the fraud charges relate to church donations and suggested the legal action is linked to the congregation's refusal to register with the state-sanctioned Protestant religious system. According to reports, the Jiaquan Church has faced increasing pressure since its main facility was closed in 2019. Officials had previously warned the leadership to limit the church's size to fewer than 100 members. Founded in 2006, the independent network has grown to serve more than 1,000 believers across China, forcing the congregation to meet in smaller, decentralized groups.