Chinese authorities arrested two senior leaders of an independent Christian congregation during a Sunday worship service

China's government took strong action against a major independent church on Sunday. Authorities detained two important leaders of the Early Rain Covenant Church in the city of Chengdu. Officials also questioned more than 30 other church members during their regular worship service.

The Early Rain Covenant Church is one of the most well-known underground religious communities in China. For many years, it has attracted thousands of followers who want to practice Christianity independently. The church operates without permission from the government. This makes it different from churches that work within China's official religious system.

When police arrived during Sunday service, they interrupted the worship gathering. They took multiple people away for interrogation at police stations. Family members waited outside, worried about what would happen next. The incident shocked many people in China's Christian community.

China's government strictly controls all religious activity. The constitution says citizens have freedom of religion, but in practice, the state supervises churches closely. Foreign religious groups face even stronger restrictions. Independent churches that refuse government oversight often face police pressure and legal troubles.

The detention of church leaders reflects a broader pattern. Over the past several years, China has increased surveillance of religious communities. Authorities have arrested pastors, closed church buildings, and removed religious symbols from public spaces. Government officials say these actions protect national security and maintain social stability.

International human rights organizations have criticized these policies. They argue that arresting people for their religious beliefs violates basic human rights. Many governments have called on China to protect religious freedom more fully.

The church leaders' fate remains uncertain. In similar cases, detained individuals sometimes face criminal charges or administrative punishment. Their followers continue to gather in smaller groups, determined to maintain their faith despite government pressure.

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.