For years, Christian parents in China have encountered challenges due to the indoctrination imposed on their families by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), as well as difficulties when trying to provide Biblical training to their children. Churches frequently face punishment for allowing children to attend worship services, and several youth Bible camps have been raided by authorities.
On September 4th, a Christian music high school was raided and charges of "enticing minors to religion" were laid against the school (read more). During the incident, all staff and students were arrested. Although the students and most of the faculty were later released, the principal of the school remained detained.
The government's efforts to eliminate Christian education continued when the Chinese branch of the Abeka Academy in Suzhou was raided on October 12th. Affiliated with the Pensacola Christian College in the United States, the Abeka Academy provides home schooling courses around the world. The program had been gaining popularity in China, causing the authorities to claim it was in violation of the Chinese constitution. Five staff members were arrested in the raid, including the Chinese director, Wang Jian.
The next day, a Christian school in Zhenjiang was also raided. Officers took ten children into custody, along with three teachers and three parents. The pupils were quickly released; however, at last report, the others were still detained.
New restrictions for religious institutions in the country were issued on September 1st, outlining new principles and responsibilities for organizations offering religious education. It is possible that this new crackdown is a response to those measures. To learn more about the persecution facing Christians in China, go to our country report.
Please prayerfully uphold the members of these churches in China, especially those who are parents seeking to raise their children in the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:7). Also remember the mentioned believers who have been detained, praying that they will be freed and not subjected to any fines nor prison sentences. Pray that the educators of the Christian schools still operating in the country will be given wisdom and encouragement as they endeavour to honour God by encouraging children in the surrounding communities, and their families, to develop a deep love for Jesus amid a hostile environment.
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