Despite facing persecution, the Beijing Zion Church has expanded to multiple provinces. Now, the authorities are intensifying their crackdown on all branches.
Beijing Zion Church used to be the largest house church in the city. Despite being raided and banned by authorities in 2018, its members have continued to gather, facing regular arrests and harassment while frequently changing locations to evade police detection. “Bitter Winter” has consistently documented its persecution and resilience.
Branches of Beijing Zion Church have been created in several cities and provinces. On the last days of May, a national crackdown was launched against these Zion Churches, which continues to this day.
Zion branches in several cities have encountered attacks and harassment. A pastor, an elder, and a deacon are facing administrative detention for periods ranging from five to fifteen days.
Three Zion Churches in the national central city of Chongqing have been shuttered. Meanwhile, police have visited churches in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Guiyang, and other areas.
On May 30, local authorities detained Pastor Gao Le of Hefei Zion Church in Anhui Province for five days. During the raids, they searched the homes of his congregation and confiscated their books.
On June 1, the Sunday worship service at the church in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, was stopped, and all attendees were taken to the police station. Elder Yao Yong and Brother Mao Yue each received sentences of 15 days of administrative detention.
On June 3, 2025, police visited the homes of church coworkers in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, to verify their ID cards.
This is a coordinated police campaign aimed at dismantling the Zion Church nationwide.
Source: Bitter Winter
