In China, 'underground' churches are religious groups that operate without official registration with government authorities, a status that authorities treat as unlawful.
October 11, 2025
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Describes the legal status of unregistered religious congregations in China.
Chinese authorities have used criminal or administrative charges such as allegations of 'online dissemination of religious materials', 'using superstitious activities to undermine the implementation of justice', and 'fraud' against religious leaders and church workers.
October 11, 2025
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Examples of legal charges reported in connection with actions against religious leaders in China.