Release International

House church pastor Wang Zaiqing has been given a two-year jail sentence and a hefty fine for printing Christian literature -- the third such prosecution in a year.

Wang, who is disabled, was first arrested in Anhui province in April after Public Security Bureau officials discovered he was printing and distributing Bibles and other Christian materials. He was later charged with 'illegal business practices' -- despite the fact that he gave the materials away for free.

Pastor Wang and his lawyer say they plan to challenge the verdict and will appeal to a higher court. Wang's verdict came on October 9, the same day the Archbishop of Canterbury was in Shanghai discussing the need for more pastors in China.

Another pastor convicted of illegal business practices was Cai Zhuohua, who was given a three-year sentence last November. Pastor Cai's lawyer Gao Zhisheng has just had official notification that he, Gao, has been charged with 'inciting subversion of state power'.

Meanwhile, six pastors charged with 'incitement to resist law-enforcement' during the demolition of a large house church in Hangzhou have had their trial postponed. The local Public Security Bureau has been instructed to gather more evidence against the six.

• Pray that Wang's appeal would be successful. Thank God for the sacrifice of people like Pastor Wang committed to spreading His kingdom, whatever the cost.
• Pray that the case against the six pastors from Hangzhou will be dismissed.

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