Religious minorities continue to experience increasing pressure, harassment and even violence, and the current crackdown on churches has been described by some as the worst since the Cultural Revolution. Over one million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and members of other ethnic groups are imprisoned in ‘re-education’ camps in Xinjiang Province.

Sunday 13 October

It’s nearly a year since Wang Yi, the lead pastor of Early Rain Church, was arrested, and as we go to print he is still in detention. Last December he was detained along with 100 other church members, and though some have now been released, the situation remains very precarious. Pray for Pastor Wang Yi to be released soon and the charges against him dropped.

Monday 14 October

The situation for churches in China in general has worsened over the past few years. The crackdowns on the Early Rain, Living Stone, and Zion churches are merely a few examples of the daily intimidation and danger experienced by Christians. Pray for strength and protection for them today.

Tuesday 15 October

Pray for wisdom for Catholics in light of a recent provisional agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese government. Details remain unknown, but it’s believed that it would mean Chinese authorities would submit candidates for bishop for Vatican approval. It’s unclear what the full implications will be for Catholics who worship outside the state’s approved structure – several of them have been detained or have gone missing over the past year.

Wednesday 16 October

In June this year, imprisoned human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang was able to see his wife and son for the first time in four years. Li Wenzu’s account of the visit showed how much her husband’s time in prison has affected him: ‘…he looked like a computerized, sluggish blockhead, and he didn’t even look back at us – his wife and son.’ Pray for his physical and mental restoration, and for God to protect Li Wenzu as she campaigns fearlessly for his release.

Thursday 17 October

Pray that international condemnation of the ‘re-education’ camps in Xinjiang leads to action. Over one million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and members of other ethnic groups – mostly Muslim – have been imprisoned in these camps for reasons such as accessing religious materials online. Parents have been separated from their children, and there are reports of mistreatment and even torture.

Friday 18 October

Pressure on students has been increasing in the past year, with schools keeping tabs on both students’ and teachers’ religious activities, and the children of pastors, human rights defenders and religious minorities experiencing harassment and discrimination at school. Pray that schools and universities would be places of learning, untainted by fear.

Saturday 19 October

Lord God, we pray for Wang Quanzhang following the news of how his four years in prison have affected him. We ask you to restore his physical and mental health, and to comfort and uphold his wife and son in the aftermath of the distressing visit. We are trusting you for his swift release from prison. Amen.