Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The China Aid Association, from its U.S. headquarters in Glenside, Pennsylvania, announced the arrest of 3 Chinese Protestant leaders in the province of Henan, a hotbed for Christian underground religious activity. The arrests occurred last month, but the news was released only today.  

Qiao Chunling, age 41, was arrested on Jan. 24 during a prayer service held a private home in Luoyang. On Jan. 25  Deborah Xu Yongling, age 58, was arrested at night while sleeping at a home in the city of Nanyang. That same day the 35 year-old Zeng Guangbo was arrested during a religious service held at his home in Deng County. But 2 days later he escaped and is still in hiding. Currently no one knows what has happened to Qiao and Xu

The communist government does not allow religion to be practiced outside of officially registered locales. Tens of millions of Christians, however, gather in unofficial homes or buildings to prevent their faith from being monitored by the government. For years Beijing has launched a repressive campaign against such groups.

In the last few months, AsiaNews has reported the destruction of homes and places of worship not authorized by the Chinese government. (MR)

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