September 18, 2026
Police in Chengdu detained 11 people during a small reading gathering associated with Early Rain Covenant Church on September 11, according to church members and reporting by ChinaAid.
ChinaAid reported that most of those detained were over 60 and that several were in their 70s. The gathering reportedly took place at a teahouse in Chengdu’s Wuhou District and involved members of Enci Fellowship.
According to the report, the group was taken to Hongpailou Police Station. Church members said most of those detained had chronic health conditions. One detainee identified in the report, 73-year-old He Futao, had previously undergone lung surgery and had recently required emergency medical care.
ChinaAid reported that an ambulance arrived outside the police station around midnight. The reason for the ambulance’s arrival has not been independently established.
Status requires continued verification
Family and church members reportedly sought information about when the group would be released. ChinaAid said police referred to an investigation involving a “cult” but provided limited additional information.
Free China Movement is monitoring the detainees’ custody status, health and any subsequent administrative or criminal measures. Claims originating with church members are attributed accordingly pending further independent or official confirmation.
Source
ChinaAid, September 14, 2026, citing members of Early Rain Covenant Church and family/community sources.