House Church Closure Signals Renewed Crackdown

According to an announcement issued by the Xi’an Civil Affairs Bureau on July 29, 2025, Xi’an Living Spring Church was determined by the government to be an illegal social organization and banned. Because of the government’s coercive efforts for total control, many house churches do not register, making them highly vulnerable to crackdowns from authorities. Such incidents usually occur out of public view, so it is difficult to accurately estimate the number of churches affected. However, this case signals that house churches in China may face even harsher challenges in the future. Pray for Xi’an’s Living Spring Church, that its members remain steadfast in faith despite the forced closure and loss of their worship space.

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