Beijing Pastor Held as Fraud Arrest Is Approved

Chinese authorities approved the arrest of Beijing Jiaquan Church pastor Cui Xianfeng on suspicion of fraud on October 23, 2026. Seven coworkers who had been held with him were released on bail. Cui remains at Beijing’s Shijingshan District Detention Center.

All eight Christians were detained after a September 4 police operation aimed at preparations for the church’s 20th anniversary. About 50 members were setting up a Beijing hotel conference room around 5:50 p.m. when more than 100 officers, including plainclothes personnel, surrounded them. Seven people were detained at the scene and Cui elsewhere. Two were later released while two other church leaders were detained, leaving eight in criminal detention.

Jiaquan is an independent, unregistered house-church network serving more than 1,000 believers in several parts of China. Its leaders have kept their distance from the government-controlled Protestant system. Authorities have not publicly detailed evidence for the fraud allegations.

Wife’s plea and defense

Cui’s wife, Cui Jinrong — a South Korean citizen repeatedly denied a visa to enter China for three consecutive years — has argued that the fraud claims grew from official scrutiny of church offerings and the congregation’s unregistered status. In a public statement on Tuesday, October 27, she said Jiaquan would remain an independent house church guided by biblical teaching and historic Christian tradition, with no political aims and no opposition to secular authorities. She urged officials to recognize Christianity’s contribution to family harmony and social stability.

She reported that Cui sent a message from detention encouraging believers to “hold fast to their faith and never lose hope.” She asked for prayers for his health and for the seven released coworkers, whom she said suffered physical and psychological trauma during interrogation. Other members, she added, continue to face questioning and pressure. The defense is preparing further proceedings seeking the pastor’s release and the eventual acquittal of all eight Christians.

Pressure on unregistered churches

The case unfolds amid continuing pressure on unregistered Protestant congregations. Leaders of Beijing Zion Church have faced similar fraud allegations after coordinated detentions that began in October 2025. As of publication, local police and relevant government departments had not issued an official response on the Jiaquan case.

For Catholics who pray for the persecuted Church, the episode recalls the cost borne by Christians who refuse to surrender the freedom of the Gospel to state control of worship and pastoral life. Faithful witness under interrogation, care for the traumatized, and legal defense seeking truth and liberty remain concrete works of mercy when believers are held for living their faith outside official structures.