Chinese Church Elder Released After 16 Months; Two Pastors Remain Imprisoned
A Chinese church elder has returned home after serving 16 months in prison in a case centered on religious gatherings outside the state-approved church system, according to an October 30 report by ChinaAid.
Ma Tao, an elder at Maizhong Reformed Church in Fuyang, Anhui Province, was released October 28, the advocacy organization reported, citing the Rights Defense Network. Two pastors convicted in the same case remained imprisoned at the time of the report.
ChinaAid said the Yingzhou District People’s Court sentenced Ma on August 10 to one year and four months for organizing illegal gatherings. Pastor Chang Shun received an 18-month sentence and senior Pastor Zhang Sen received one year and seven months. Their expected release dates are November 18, 2026, and January 24, 2027, respectively.
The proceedings followed a June 29, 2025, police raid on the congregation and its affiliated Covenant Chapel during Sunday worship. Nineteen congregants, including four children, were detained, according to ChinaAid. Most were released the next day, while Ma and Chang remained in criminal detention. Zhang was arrested separately on July 9.
Earlier reporting described the congregation as an independent Protestant church that declined to join the government-controlled Three-Self Patriotic Movement. After authorities closed its main meeting place in 2023, members continued gathering in smaller groups and private homes.
According to an indictment described by ChinaAid in June, prosecutors relied on activities including worship meetings in homes, religious elements of weddings, instruction for children and welcoming Christians released from detention. Authorities alleged that unauthorized gatherings disrupted public order. The church leaders and their families disputed the characterization of those activities as crimes.
During a June 9–10 trial, Zhang acknowledged that religious gatherings had taken place but rejected the accusation that they were criminal, ChinaAid reported. Before the proceedings, the leaders’ wives appealed for outside attention and support, arguing that the case concerned peaceful religious practice.
Families also reported surveillance and pressure to relocate during the leaders’ detention. Those allegations come from relatives and church members cited by the advocacy organization. ChinaAid said Ma’s post-release circumstances remained unclear, including whether he faced continuing restrictions.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom’s 2026 annual report describes wider government pressure on independent Protestant leaders and house churches in China. Meanwhile, Ma’s two fellow church leaders remain in custody pending their anticipated release dates.
References
ChinaAid — October 30, 2026.
Reported release: October 28, 2026.
chinaaid/news/chinese-church-elder-ma-tao-released-after-16-months-two-pastors-remain-jailed
ChinaAid — June 12, 2026.
chinaaid/news/chinese-house-church-leaders-indicted-for-conducting-weddings-routine-religious-activities
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom — 2026 Annual Report, China chapter; March 2026.
