A new report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has raised concerns about worsening religious freedom in China, highlighting the continued imprisonment of Christian leaders and increased government restrictions on independent churches. Published in November 2026, the report examines the impact of China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which came into effect on July 1. According to CSW, the legislation gives the Chinese Communist Party greater authority to influence religious activities and impose restrictions on religious communities.
Among the cases highlighted is that of Pastor John Cao, who completed a seven-year prison sentence in 2024 after being convicted over his work establishing schools in poverty-affected areas along the China-Myanmar border. Despite completing his sentence, authorities have reportedly continued to withhold his passport, preventing him from reuniting with his wife and two adult sons in the United States. His situation has become a significant concern for Christian religious freedom advocates, particularly because he has also been undergoing treatment for cancer.
The report also highlights the detention of Pastor David Tang, founder of Wenzhou’s Purpose Driven Church, alongside church workers and administrators. Other Christian leaders, including Pastor Wang Sanyuan and Pastor Sun Chenghao, remain affected by imprisonment and restrictions on their religious activities. CSW says these cases demonstrate the challenges facing independent Christian congregations that operate outside government-controlled religious structures. The organisation is calling for the release of imprisoned believers and greater protection of the right to practise Christianity without government interference.
