Christians across Communist China are being arrested, detained and effectively “disappeared” for worshipping outside state-controlled churches, according to a major investigation by The Telegraph.
The report details accounts from underground Christians who say police have raided homes in the middle of the night, separated families and imprisoned pastors as the regime intesifies its campaign against independent religious groups.
One Christian identified only as “TJ” recalled police smashing into his home before dragging away his wife.
“They grabbed my clothes and grabbed my hands so I couldn’t move. I could hear my daughter crying so much in the room next door but I couldn’t go to her, I couldn’t hug my wife.”
His wife remains in custody, according to The Telegraph.
China officially permits Christianity only through churches controlled by the Communist Party, where congregations are expected to display portraits of Xi Jinping and demonstrate loyalty to the regime.
Police have arrested thousands across China in a drive to shut down underground churches.
The Telegraph spoke to six Chinese Christians who have either been targeted by the CCP or have incarcerated relatives.
These are their stories
https://t.co/qCQwBUJZ5p pic.twitter.com/1G9M63RYMZ — The Telegraph (@Telegraph) July 12, 2026
Millions instead worship in underground churches, placing them at risk of arrest.
According to The Telegraph, ChinaAid founder Bob Fu estimates more than 10,000 Christians have been arrested during Xi’s rule.
Recent raids reportedly targeted Beijing’s Zion Church and the Early Rain Covenant Church, with dozens detained.
Pastor Jun Yang told the newspaper authorities spent months attempting to build cases against church leaders before arresting members.
“They were trying to look for excuses to see if they could set a trap for me.”
Yang escaped only because he was overseas when police raided his home. His wife was arrested instead.
China’s embassy rejected allegations of persecution, insisting it “manages religious affairs in accordance with the law” and accusing “anti-China forces” of spreading disinformation.
But Christians see little hope while Xi remains in power.
“Once Xi Jinping is still the chairman in China, I don’t think anything will be better and if the persecution is not better, that means we cannot have our church and we are in danger anytime,” he added.
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