China detains six members of underground church, church says

Six members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, including its leader Li Yingqiang, were detained this week, and authorities had not publicly commented or reported charges.

Six members of an unofficial Protestant congregation were detained this week, according to a church statement and non-governmental groups. The arrests involved members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu and included the church's current leader, Li Yingqiang. Reuters and local authorities had no immediate public comment and it was not clear whether the detainees were charged. The detentions come amid heightened scrutiny of religious groups that operate outside state-approved channels. Key facts: - Six members of the Early Rain Covenant Church were detained this week, according to a church statement and advocacy groups. - The group is an unregistered "house church" based in Chengdu and the detentions included leader Li Yingqiang, whose home was reported raided. - Reuters could not determine the grounds for detention or whether charges were filed, and local public security authorities did not immediately comment. - The incident follows recent enforcement actions targeting unregistered Christian groups in China. Summary: The reported detentions add to a pattern of increased enforcement against religious groups operating outside state-approved structures and reflect ongoing restrictions on unregistered congregations. Undetermined at this time.