NEWS RELEASE

The Voice of the Martyrs, Inc. http://www.persecution.com

Death Sentences Lifted for South China Church Leaders But many remain behind bars

Leaders of the South China Church have had their sentences reduced after a retrial ordered by the Hubei Province Supreme Court.

Four of the church leaders were declared innocent and released immediately. SCC founder Gong Shengliang and two others were sentenced to life in prison. They had been facing execution. Journalist Li Ying, the SCC’s second-in-command and the publisher of an underground church magazine, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, along with Bang Kun Gong. In the original trial, Li Ying was given a death sentence.

During the retrial, the court dropped all “evil cult” charges against the South China Church leaders. One judge told members of Pastor Gong’s family privately that he should be released.

“This is obviously a step in the right direction,” said Gary Lane, spokesman for The Voice of the Martyrs, “but it doesn’t end the injustice. These men and women are not criminals. They are Christians, serving the Lord and worshipping as they see fit.”

The retrial comes as Chinese President Jiang Zemin prepares to visit the United States later this month. He will be meeting with President Bush and other US leaders.

“This is clearly a public relations move by the Chinese,” said Lane. “It is a gift for President Bush in advance of Jiang’s trip. But public relations moves don’t address the brutality and injustice that Christians face in China every single day. Our hope is that President Bush will forcefully and honestly raise this issue during Jiang’s visit.”

The SCC leaders have faced harsh treatment in prison. According to VOM sources, the court ruled that the prisoners are forbidden to have Bibles, and copies of the Scripture sent by their families have been confiscated. In addition, they have been forbidden to pray out loud in their cells. Other inmates have been ordered to interrupt their prayers and not allow them, and to report any prayers to prison officers. Some of the SCC leaders have also been severely beaten in prison.

“We praise God for the four Christians that were released,” said Lane, “and we celebrate with their families. However, we urge American Christians to continue in their prayers on behalf of Pastor Gong, Li Ying and the others who are still in prison. The public pressure in this case has obviously made a difference, and we hope that Christians will continue with their letters, faxes and calls to the Chinese embassy on behalf of these brothers and sisters.”

—35 Years of Serving the Persecuted Church—