Around the world, the internet has become the principal way for isolated Christians to stay in touch.

But Chinese authorities have banned online services during the coronavirus pandemic & have called for the ‘complete eradication’ of churches that aren't under state control.

Elsewhere in China, a pastor has been detained for sharing a post on social media about the virus, reports Radio Free Asia. And a Christian, Sun Feng, was seized by state security officers after asking friends to pray and fast during the outbreak.

The communist party has widened its persecution to include other faiths. According to Release’s China partner, between 1 and 3 million Muslim Uyghurs are being held in ‘re-education camps’ in China, putting them at increased risk from the coronavirus.

China is notorious for its use of advanced surveillance techniques to monitor and control its own citizens. For years, Release’s partner has been reporting on how China has been clamping down on the church and trying to prevent the spread of Christianity.

But we're heartened to hear reports of Christians in China sharing their faith as they distribute medical supplies & using facemasks to evade the ever-present surveillance cameras. It is now widely held that there are more Christians in China than members of the communist party!