Amnesty International has called on Chinese authorities to immediately release two detained Protestant church leaders and end what it describes as an intensifying crackdown on religious freedom across China. The demand follows a police raid on the Early Rain Covenant Church in Jiangyou, Sichuan province, during a Sunday service, in which more than 30 congregants were taken away for interrogation.

The Raid on Early Rain Covenant Church

According to church spokespersons, armed police — including SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactical Unit) officers — descended on the church midway through its Sunday worship. Photographs and videos shared via a church messaging account showed congregants surrounded by officers during the operation. While most members were released after interrogation, two church leaders remain in detention.

What Amnesty International Said

Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said, 'The detention of church leaders from the Early Rain Covenant Church is the latest example of the Chinese government's efforts to crack down on independent religious activity and enforce state control over belief and worship.'

Brooks further noted, 'Over the past year, authorities have intensified control over religious activities through unlawful surveillance, raids, and unfair prosecutions under anti-'cult' and security provisions — resulting in repeated attacks on individuals solely for peacefully exercising their right to religious freedom.' She pointed to the 2019 imprisonment of church leader Wang Yi as the start of a period of intensifying repression of Christian groups in China.

Pattern of Escalating Restrictions

Amnesty International documented a broader tightening of religious controls over the past year. In September 2025, Chinese authorities introduced the Religious Personnel Online Conduct Rules, which imposed additional restrictions on the online activities of religious personnel and required their support for the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

In October 2025, authorities launched a nationwide operation against the unofficial Zion Church network, detaining nearly 30 pastors and members across at least seven cities. At least 18 individuals were formally arrested on suspicion of 'illegally using information networks.'

International Human Rights Obligations

The rights organisation stressed that under international human rights law, everyone holds the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief — including the freedom to manifest that religion in worship, observance, practice, and teaching, both publicly and privately. Amnesty reiterated that 'no one should be detained simply due to their religious beliefs.'

What Comes Next

Amnesty International has urged Beijing to release the two detained church leaders without conditions and to halt all ongoing crackdowns on religious communities. The Early Rain Covenant Church has faced years of documented harassment; with international scrutiny now renewed, pressure on China over its treatment of independent religious groups is likely to intensify.