Chinese Authorities Detain 11 Church Elders in Latest Crackdown

Chinese authorities detained 11 elders of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu after police interrupted a meeting on September 10, according to International Christian Concern.

The elders had reportedly gathered at a local teahouse to discuss church matters when police entered around 3 p.m. and took all 11 to a police station for questioning. The church has experienced years of government pressure, surveillance and restrictions.

The case is particularly concerning to church members because several of the detained elders are elderly. ICC reported that most are in their 70s, including He Futao, 73, who had recently undergone major medical treatment.

Early Rain Covenant Church is an unregistered Protestant church, meaning it operates outside China's state-controlled Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Chinese authorities have repeatedly taken action against unregistered churches and their leaders.

The latest arrests come amid a broader pattern of pressure against Protestant house churches in China. Earlier in 2026, authorities also detained members of other unregistered congregations.