End religious persecution in China

It’s been one year since eight “house church” members were arrested in China. Across the country, Chinese authorities are targeting these “underground” or independent churches and prosecuting worshippers simply for practising their faith. Sign the petition and call for an end to attacks on freedom of religion and belief in China.

What’s the problem?

At the end of the day, whatever charges they use, their ultimate goal is to crush the church and make it disappear.

Su Ziming, wife of Pastor Wang Lin from Beijing Zion Church

Across China, authorities are tightening control over independent or “underground” churches – commonly referred to as “house churches” – targeting communities that choose to worship outside state-approved structures. For many Christians, simply gathering to pray, worshiping or expressing their religious beliefs can now carry serious risks.

One of the most prominent cases of the last year involves the Beijing Zion Church. Authorities detained around 30 pastors and church workers and formally arrested 18 people. While Pastor Jin Mingri was released and reunited with his family in the United States in July 2026, eight church members are still detained and face prosecution.

The Zion Church case is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader pattern of repression against independent religious communities across China. Leaders and congregants face harassment, detention, criminal prosecution, and other forms of repression. Other examples include the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, Zion Light Church in Xi’an, and Yayang Church in Wenzhou.

The governments’ actions are designed to create fear, silence worshippers and discourage people from exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief, despite this right being protected under China’s Constitution.

People should be free to hold religious beliefs and express them through worship and practice.

By adding your voice, you can help shine an international spotlight on these violations of religious freedom and increase pressure on the Chinese authorities, ensuring they face greater scrutiny.

What can you do to help?

Sign the petition now and call on Li Ganjie, Head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Duan Yijun, Director of National Religious Affairs Administration to end the targeting of independent churches and persecution of their members. 

Your signature will be delivered to the relevant Chinese authorities by 1 February 2027. Amnesty International will not share personally identifiable information from this petition, and your personal data will remain protected.