China: President of Chinese House Church Alliance arrested
Jul 08 2008
Postings >> China

The president of the Chinese House Church Alliance and his interpreter were arrested on their way to meet with a senior EU official in Beijing.

Pastor Zhang Mingxuan and his aide, Ou Yang, were held by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials for 31 hours before being released following an international outcry. The pastor had been due to meet Dr Bastiaan Belder, Rapporteur of the European Parliament's Committee of Foreign Affairs, to discuss China's relationship with the EU on June 18.

Pastor Zhang has been arrested, beaten and jailed 12 times since becoming a Christian in 1986, according to China Aid. He has taken the bold step of issuing three open letters to the international community over the last year, protesting at the authorities' treatment of believers like him.

Most recently, officials forced Pastor Zhang to close the orphanage he ran with his two sons. Other landlords have since refused to rent out property to him – after threats from government officials. China Aid now reports that the landlord of Pastor Mingxuan's family home has sent him an eviction notice too.

Meanwhile, concern continues to mount for Beijing bookseller Shi Weihan who has been held for three months without formal charges and virtually incommunicado. PSB are only allowed to hold suspects for two months without charge. Shi, who is a severe diabetic, runs a legally registered Christian bookshop and travel agency near the Olympic village.

(Sources: China Aid, Compass Direct)

Pray for the release of Shi Weihan. Ask God to comfort him and his family.

Praise God for the release of Pastor Mingxuan. Pray for new premises for his family and his orphanage.