China detains 2 leaders of prominent underground church in Sichuan as SWAT team raids service – rights group

Chinese authorities have detained two leaders from a prominent underground church in Sichuan province following a police raid on a service, marking another instance in the government's ongoing crackdown on unregistered Christian groups. The Early Rain Covenant Church, which operates outside official state-sanctioned religious structures, faces increased scrutiny and repression. This action highlights the broader issue of religious freedom in China, where authorities frequently target unofficial religious gatherings and leaders, raising concerns about the limits of religious expression and the government's control over religious organizations.