Taiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church Raided Again: 15 Detained, Including Infants
Bitter Winter previously reported in 2024 on the ongoing harassment of Taiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church, an independent Protestant congregation in Shanxi Province. On October 12, 2025, the church was again targeted during a Sunday morning worship service.
Approximately 30 plainclothes officers and over 10 uniformed police raided the church premises as Pastor An Yankui was concluding his sermon. Officers seized the pulpit, forcibly removed Pastor An, and detained several church workers serving backstage. Congregants were ordered to surrender their mobile phones and submit personal information.
Thirteen adults and two children were taken to the local Public Security Bureau. As of 23:55 on October 12, twelve adults remained in custody:
Dong Wei’s infant child, still breastfeeding, was also taken to the station. Due to prolonged crying, police contacted the child’s father to retrieve the baby. Another mother with a child was released earlier the same day.
The nature of the detentions—whether administrative or criminal—remains unclear. This incident follows a pattern of intensified pressure on unregistered religious groups in Shanxi. Taiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church has previously faced raids, detentions, and legal charges related to unauthorized religious gatherings and overseas theological training.
Source: Bitter Winter
