local Chinese church
China Aid reported that several family members of an imprisoned Chinese pastor managed to elude legal authorities and escape to the United States. The family members are reported to have reached Dallas, Texas on Monday. The pastor in question, Zhang Shaojie had been sentenced to 12 years in imprisonment last month.
The pastor’s family was originally based in Southern China before leaving their country. The family members who managed to escape have been identified to be Pastor Zhang Shaojie’s daughter Zhang Huixin, her husband Sun Zhulei, and their 1-year-old son Sun Jiexi. They escaped China with the help of Bob Fu, a Chinese Christian and activist.
Pastor Zhang’s sentence had stirred up some controversy. China Aid claimed that his sentence reflected the government’s attempts to stem further growth of Christianity. They also added that the government’s belief that the minister had been gathering crowds to “disturb public order” was problematic. Bob Fu, who is also the head of China Aid expressed the belief that this incident is simply another attempt by the Chinese administration to cover up religious persecution, even though their constitution guarantees religious freedom.
Fu had assisted Zhang’s family members leave China after eluding local legal authorities. AP reported how Fu had activated a network to ensure the safety of the pastor’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson. After escorting the three, it is reported that the U.S. had given the family authorization to seek sanctuary for religious freedom.
It is not only Chinese human rights activists who were shocked by the imprisonment of Pastor Zhang. On July 8th, the U.S. Department of State expressed their disagreement regarding the pastor’s sentence. "We call on Chinese authorities to release Pastor Zhang and we urge China to cease harassment of his family members and congregants. We call on the Chinese authorities to allow citizens to worship freely in accordance with China's own laws and its international human rights commitments. Freedom of religion is a critical – is critical to a peaceful, inclusive, stable, and thriving society," spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
