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CV NEWS FEED // An American Christian pastor who was imprisoned in a Chinese prison for 18 years has been released and will return to the United States.
The Press Democrat states that 68-year-old David Lin was imprisoned for life in 2009 on charges of contract fraud. While in prison, his sentence was shortened to end in 2030. He had gone to China to spread the Gospel, but was detained upon his entrance in 2006.
Before he was detained, the Press Democrat states that “Lin frequently traveled to China in the 1990s to spread the gospel, according to China Aid, an U.S.-based advocacy group for persecuted activists in China.”
Lin denied the charges of contract fraud. He was detained when he was assisting an underground church that was not officially approved by the Chinese government. However, China Aid states that Lin sought a license from the government to carry out his ministry. The Press Democrat states, “It’s unlikely he was granted permission.”
The Press Democrat explains, “In China, all Christian churches must pledge loyalty to the ruling Communist Party and register with the government. Any unregistered church is considered an underground church, and its activities are considered unlawful in China.”
The article states that leaders of “house churches,” which are considered underground churches, are often charged with contract fraud, according to the humanitarian group Dui Hua Foundation.
The US Department of State announced David Lin’s release on September 16. Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX) stated that he was “extremely glad” about Lin’s release. McCaul wants the other Americans detained in China, Mark Swidan and Kai Li, to be released immediately.
