Release International

About 30 pastors and four visiting Americans were arrested when the authorities raided a meeting in Xinjiang province, north-west China.

Although most of the detainees were released over the following week, six Chinese house church leaders were sentenced to 30 days' detention for 'evil cult activities'.

RI sources report that these six may still be sent to prison camp for up to three years. The Voice of the Martyrs Canada reports that they were detained a couple of years ago for religious activities.

The Chinese pastors were held at the Akesu City detention centre and 'at least two of them' were reported to have facial injuries which suggested they had been beaten. At the time of writing, the American group, which included two pastors, were apparently still being held at an unnamed hotel for questioning.

• Pray for the swift release of all the pastors who have been detained.
• Thank God that His worldwide church defies attempts to impose borders and boundaries. Pray that China's church will strengthen its links with those in other nations, for mutual encouragement.

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