Over 300 house churches in Shanghai were closed down in one month. In May, Dr. Paul Marshall, author of Their Blood Cries Out, investigated the underground churches in China. He found the level of repression is far worse than at any time since the early 1980s. At first, the government closed down unregistered churches. Now, it arrests leaders and breaks up church networks.
Underground churches are the only civic groups existing outside government control.
Underground leaders say the commitment required to practice one's faith in China leads to a strong, disciplined, and growing church. Underground church members have been brutally beaten-some to death. China maintains at least 1,100 laogai, which are foundational to the country's economy. Already the city is the biggest source of investment in the mainland. Despite China's promise to respect Hong Kong's religious freedom, Church officials were afraid to jeopardize the safety of believers in the mainland.