On January 9, 2018, a house church was demolished by the local authority in Fushan County, Linfen, Shanxi.
The construction of the Golden Lampstand Church cost 17 million yuan a few years ago, but failed to gain legal permits.
It also experienced demolition on September 13, 2009. The local court sentenced five church leaders to three to seven years in prison and different amounts in fines for "illegal occupation of agricultural land" and "organizing of people to block traffic". The incident became a sensational religious court case at that time.
The church in Linfen has a congregation of 50,000 believers, deeply influenced by Xi Sheng Mo or Pastor Hsi, a renowned local church leader in the 19th century.
- Translated by Karen Luo
