(Suizhou, Hubei Province – May 6, 2024) On April 25, 2024, the Zengdu District Branch of the Suizhou Public Security Bureau arrested 75-year-old Yang Zhijin, a member of the All Ranges Church, on suspicion of organizing and utilizing superstitious sect or cult organizations.
The arrest notice revealed, "With the approval of the People’s Procuratorate of Zengdu District, Suizhou City, our bureau executed the arrest of Yang Zhijin at 16:00 on April 25, 2024, on suspicion of 'sabotaging the enforcement of law by organizing and utilizing superstitious sect or cult organizations'." Yang Zhijin is currently detained in the Suizhou Detention Center.
The All Ranges Church, also known as the Born Again Movement, was founded in 1968 and has faced persecution in China for years. The denomination, labeled as a cult by the government, has a history of beliefs that have led to clashes with authorities. The church's founder, Xu Yongze, currently residing in the United States, established the denomination with teachings that have attracted millions of followers.
It is reported that the All Ranges Church in Suizhou has recently experienced increased government persecution, resulting in the arrest of numerous preachers and believers, many of whom cannot afford legal representation. Yang Zhijin's case, at 75 years old, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by members of non-sanctioned religious groups in China.
An unnamed source commented on the situation, stating, "As an atheistic totalitarian government, using the charge of 'cult' to accuse house church leaders and members is not only a common tactic used by the Chinese government to suppress house churches and violate religious freedom, but also a consistent strategy of the Chinese government to implement high-pressure politics internally."
