Chinese Church Leaders Imprisoned on Fraud Charges Criticized as Unfounded

Chinese Church Leaders Sentenced on Fraud Charges Amid Controversy

In a case that has drawn widespread criticism, three leaders from a Chinese church have been handed prison sentences over allegations of fraud. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that Pastor Li Jie, Elder Han Xiadong, and Elder Wang Qiang were accused of fraudulent activities, a claim that their supporters insist is baseless.

The Linfen Covenant Home Church leaders from Shanxi Province were convicted under controversial circumstances. Jie and Xiadong face three years and eight months in prison, while Qiang was given a sentence of one year and 11 months.

The arrests occurred in late 2022, with Jie and Xiadong detained in August and Qiang apprehended in November. Qiang’s arrest is said to have been prompted by his refusal to provide false testimony against his fellow church leaders.

The charges of “illegal income” did not lead to a trial until May 2025, raising questions about the timing and fairness of the proceedings. The trial itself was reportedly conducted in secrecy, with allegations of intimidation and harassment towards the families and church members of the accused.

CSW sources reveal that legal representatives were allegedly promised reduced sentences if they complied with certain conditions, such as not bringing electronic devices into the courtroom—a promise that was not honored.

Qiang was granted bail in March 2025, after a period of “Residential Surveillance in a Designated Location,” which the UN considers akin to enforced disappearance due to the lack of communication allowed. His sentence appears to have been adjusted for time served, leading to his release.

The church issued a strong statement in response to the verdict: “We do not accept this unjust judgment. Our brothers did not commit fraud, and the offerings of our church are not fraud. Our church remains a house church, adhering to Christ as the sole head of the church and the principle of separation of church and state.

“We recognize that Li Jie, Han Xiaodong, and Wang Qiang are suffering for righteousness sake and are willing to take up the cross with the Lord. We receive the result of the judgment from the Lord with a heart of gratitude and obedience.”