Critical Uncensored News | ChinaAid Newsletter - 12/4/2025

Walking with the Persecuted Faithful: ChinaAid’s Latest Updates

Join us as we walk with the persecuted faithful. Chinese authorities formally arrested 18 leaders of Zion Church in Shandong. Christian students are being targeted and screened. 15 nations unite at the UN to slam China's crackdown on Christians and minorities. Father Ma Xianshi stood trial in Yiwu for allegedly selling approved hymnbooks. Bob Fu, founder of ChinaAid, exposed the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) escalating war on religion under Xi Jinping at the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China.
 

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Lead Story: Zion Church Pastors Face Years Behind Bars in CCP Purge

In a major escalation of religious persecution, Chinese authorities formally arrested 18 leaders of Zion Church on November 18, 2025, in Beihai, Guangxi, charging them with "illegal use of an information network." The crackdown, dubbed the "10.9" case, began on October 9 when 28 pastors and co-workers were detained across provinces.

Eight have been released on bail with restrictions, and three freed, but core figures like Pastor Jin Mingri (Ezra) remain in custody at Beihai detention centers. The church's pastoral team issued a prayer letter on November 19, urging global support amid fears of fabricated charges and calling for justice and religious freedom. International groups condemn the arrests as part of Beijing's war on Christianity, with U.S. officials demanding immediate release. 
 

Defend religious liberty in China. Share the Zion Church story now to amplify their voices and demand justice for the persecuted! Read prayer letter here.

Story #2: 15 Nations Unite at UN to Slam China's Crackdown on Christians and Minorities

A coalition of 15 nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, issued a joint statement at the UN General Assembly's Third Committee on November 21, condemning China's severe human rights abuses. The declaration highlights arbitrary detention, forced labor, mass surveillance, and targeted repression against ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians facing torture, family separations, and cultural erasure.

It also decries the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong and transnational repression of dissidents. In response, China rallied 85 countries to counter, claiming these are internal affairs and accusing critics of politicization. The U.S. House Democrats' recent report echoes these concerns, urging accountability. Defend religious liberty. Share this urgent story of China's persecuted Christians now and demand their release!

Story #3: One Year to Wipe Out House Churches: Shandong's Crackdown Hits Schools

In Shandong Province, Chinese authorities have intensified religious persecution by screening students for Christian beliefs. At the year's start, universities distributed questionnaires probing faith, gathering spots, and offerings. Students admitting to Christianity faced multi-level police investigations and intimidation.

This week, the campaign expanded to primary and secondary schools with identical interrogations. Sources indicate the Chinese Communist Party aims to eliminate all house churches within a year, amid a nationwide crackdown on independent Christianity that includes arrests and forced closures. In Jinan, believers persist in prayer, seeking divine guidance amid escalating threats to religious freedom.

Story #4: Chinese Priest on Trial for Selling Hymnbooks—Political Motives Exposed 

In a stark case of religious repression, Father Ma Xianshi, a respected Catholic priest in Wenzhou Diocese, stood trial in Yiwu on November 13, 2025, for allegedly selling approved hymnbooks to the public, violating China's strict internal circulation rules. Detained for nearly a year, Father Ma denied wrongdoing, insisting his actions were pastoral duties.

Prosecutors cited over 50,000 copies sold, yielding 1.5 million yuan. Defense argued no personal gain and urged leniency. Supporters allege deeper political motives, including suspicions from a Rome pilgrimage and resistance to government-favored bishops. Attendance was restricted, with officials monitoring, highlighting escalating tensions between state and church. The verdict is pending.

Defend religious liberty in China. Share Father Ma's story now to expose injustice and support persecuted believers!

Story #5: Defying Xi's Bible Ban: ChinaAid Smuggles 40,000 Bibles to Kids—200,000 More Coming This Christmas!

In a bold testimony before the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China on November 20, 2025, Bob Fu, founder of ChinaAid, exposed the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) escalating war on religion under Xi Jinping.

Fu detailed how the CCP bans Bible access for children, labeling it "poison," and persecutes families for sharing faith. Despite crackdowns, ChinaAid successfully distributed over 40,000 children's Bibles across 20 provinces this year, defying restrictions. Fu predicts the CCP's efforts will fail, as underground churches grow amid repression. This Christmas, ChinaAid aims to send 200,000 more Bibles, urging global support to combat religious suppression and foster hope for persecuted youth. 

Defying Xi's Bible Ban: Send a Christmas Bible now!