The Ganjingzi District People’s Court in the city of Dalian sentenced Pastor Kan Xiaoyong, who’s in his 60s, to 14 years in prison, Radio Free Asia reported, adding that his wife, Wang Fengying, received a four-year sentence and the four church members — Chu Xinyu, Zhao Qianjiao, Zhang Songai and Liang Dongzhi — received prison terms ranging from three to 10 years.

Initial expectations for Kan’s sentence exceeded 20 years, RFA said. However, following strong resistance from his lawyers, authorities reduced his sentence. Similarly, Wang’s anticipated sentence was between 15- to 18-years but was ultimately set at four years

The CCP aims to align churches with its ideology, often targeting unregistered “house churches.” New regulations and digital surveillance have intensified the crackdown on Christian activities.

Source: christianpost.com