In March China introduced new ‘Measures for the Administration of Internet Religious Information Services’ which prohibit the sharing of religious content online without a permit, including through text messages, images, audio and video.

These could have wide-ranging implications for everything from sharing Bible verses via the messaging service WhatsApp, to conducting online youth work or church services. The measures have provided the Chinese authorities with yet another tool with which to restrict religious activity, even as the situation for human rights in the country continues to deteriorate.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/china

Sunday 10 July

Yesterday marked the seventh anniversary of the beginning of the infamous ‘709 crackdown’ in which over 300 human rights lawyers, activists and family members were interrogated, detained and even imprisoned or disappeared. Most have since been released, but please pray for continued healing and restoration from any lasting trauma.

Monday 11 July

Other human rights lawyers who have worked on freedom of religion or belief cases, like Gao Zhisheng and Chang Weiping, have been detained or disappeared in the years since the 709 crackdown. Ask God to comfort their families today, and pray for their swift and unconditional release.

Tuesday 12 July

Church leaders continue to be similarly targeted. In February Pastor Hao Zhiwei was sentenced to eight years on ‘fraud’ charges by the authorities in Hubei province, and at least ten others from four unregistered Protestant churches are facing similar charges. Pray that all these individuals are freed.

Wednesday 13 July

‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’ (Isaiah 43:19). Pray that God would do a new thing in China today.

Thursday 14 July

Keep praying for the situation in the Uyghur region, where over one million of the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs, as well as Kazakhs and members of other ethnic groups, have been detained without charge in ‘re-education camps’ since 2017. Ask God to inspire co-ordinated and powerful international action on this egregious human rights crisis.

Friday 15 July

Pray for the members of Shenzhen Church, most of whom fled to South Korea following increasing government harassment in China. Although they now have greater freedom to live out their faith, they are waiting to be granted asylum in South Korea – a process which could take years.

Saturday 16 July

Lord Jesus, we thank you that even in a nation as populous as China, you see and know the stories of every citizen. We ask you to bring peace and comfort to all those who are living in fear today. May prisoners be released and human rights respected. Amen.

Download a printable copy of this week’s Prayer Diary.