Among the arrested were three American citizens, the Information Centre for Human Rights and the Democratic Movement in China said. The church members are part of the Fangcheng Church founded by Zhang Rongliang, who was sentenced to two years in labor camp last December. Authorities released Zhang in February, citing health reasons, but five other church leaders sentenced at the same time continue to serve terms of one to three years. Zhang was accused of being the leader of a cult and therefore dangerous to society.
China forbids religious believers from worshiping outside of state-sanctioned groups.
One of the document's purposes was to help convince the government to recognize the house church movements. The Hong Kong rights group said the three Americans arrested, all residents of California, were Henry Chu, Patricia Lan, and Sandee Lin. The church members are being held at the Xihua county jail, the Information Centre said. Used with permission. Forums Shop at WorthyBooks for Books, CD's and Videos.