On 22 October we reported the recent arrest of Pastor John Cao and preacher Chang Hao after they held a baptismal service for 13 members of Hao’s congregation. After the baptism, about 20 police officers interrupted the service, searching, arresting and interrogating all who attended. All attendees were released, except for preacher Hao who received a 12-day detention for holding illegal religious gatherings.
On the morning of 27 October, Chang Hao ended his 12-day administrative detention and walked out of the Zhenxiong County Detention Centre. He was unable to reunite with his family because immediately upon his release, the community staff drove Chang Hao directly to the Poji Town Police Station. Subsequently, Chang Hao was interviewed by the deputy secretary of the town, the director and deputy director of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau, the captains of the County State Security Brigade and the Municipal National Security Brigade.
They asked Chang Hao to either register or join the Three-Self Church. Chang Hao made his answer clear saying, “It is impossible to persuade me to give up my faith. Not to mention going to jail, I will maintain my faith even if I am beheaded.”
After the interviews were completed one by one, Chang Hao was sent home. After returning home, Chang Hao learned that during his detention, the brothers and sisters in the church were subjected to varying degrees of pressure and intimidation. The church’s chairs, projectors, etc were all looted, and the family in charge of the church reception and Chang Hao’s home had people standing guard day and night.
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