Franklin Wolf | Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom | China Aid Advisory Board website
On May 7, 2024, in Hefei, Anhui Province, the wives of Pastor Zhou Songlin and Elder Ding Zhongfu, who were arrested for their faith, responded to criticism from some believers in an open letter. The situation arose after the two wives hired lawyers for their husbands following their arrests. The Ganquan Church in Hefei, with a history of over 20 years and four to five hundred believers, faced challenges due to religious persecution, leading to the arrest of several church leaders on suspicion of fraud.
The arrested leaders, including Pastor Zhou Songlin and Elder Ding Zhongfu, remain in custody. Their wives, Wei Shudie and Ge Yunxia, hired Christian lawyers for their defense. However, internal divisions emerged within the church regarding the legal representation. Some believers opposed the hiring of lawyers, leading to public criticism and even withdrawals from the church.
In response to the criticism, Wei Shudie and Ge Yunxia issued a letter asking for the release of their husbands. This action, along with the initial open letter, sparked debates within the Chinese house churches. While some support the wives' actions, others emphasize submission to the government and caution against confrontation.
Notably, lawyer Zhang Kai highlighted the role of pastors in challenging authority. Despite the internal disputes and external pressures faced by churches in such cases, many church leaders and members view persecution as a test of faith and believe in divine guidance.
