Li Guiwen’s arrest confirms that the present crackdown on independent churches has a a particularly harsh impact on those serving ethnic minority believers.
Li Guiwen, a Lisu Christian from Yuanmou County within the Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, has been subjected to criminal detention, formally arrested, and transferred to the local procuratorate for review and prosecution by authorities of the Yuanmou Public Security Bureau on suspicion of “organizing illegal gatherings.” His family issued a heartfelt prayer letter on October 27, 2025, urging public attention and advocating for a just resolution of his case.
According to this prayer letter, Li Guiwen was taken into custody on August 2, 2025, on charges of “organizing illegal religious activities.” He was subsequently imprisoned at the Yuanmou County Detention Center, a facility designed to hold suspects during investigation. Authorities allege that Li was involved in coordinating religious gatherings outside the official state-sanctioned venues, activities deemed illegal under current laws.
On September 8, 2025, the authorities formally arrested Li Guiwen. By October 17, he was transferred to the Yuanmou County procuratorate for further examination, where prosecutors are reviewing whether his activities infringe upon laws concerning religious expression. The charges specifically relate to his role in facilitating Christian gatherings within private homes, primarily among members of the Lisu ethnic minority.
Li Guiwen’s village is home to a significant population of Lisu people, many of whom are Christians practicing their faith quietly. Historically, prior to their forced resettlement prompted by a devastating geological disaster in 2002, villagers regularly gathered for prayer and fellowship, maintaining long-standing cultural and religious traditions. After relocating to Pingtan Township, their communal religious practices persisted, often taking place in private residences to avoid government scrutiny.
The family highlighted in their prayer letter that these gatherings were peaceful and did not pose any threat to public order or safety. They emphasized that meetings held within private homes are personal religious activities, protected under their religious and cultural rights, and should not be deemed illegal. The letter also raised concerns that the case might be part of broader issues of religious discrimination against ethnic minorities.
The prayer letter passionately appeals to relevant government departments to ensure that Li Guiwen’s case is handled with fairness and in strict accordance with the law. It further calls on society to recognize and uphold the freedom of religious belief and to protect the legitimate rights and interests of ethnic minority believers.
This case has resonated deeply within Christian communities across Yunnan Province and beyond, especially amidst ongoing concerns about the treatment of unregistered religious gatherings and the legal vulnerabilities faced by ethnic minority religious practitioners.
The incident highlights the persistent crackdown on independent Christian churches, with a particularly harsh impact on those serving ethnic minority believers.
Source: Bitter Winter
