According to a report by Rights Defense Network on May 1, 2025, Gong Shengliang who had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment, was released from prison in October 2024. However, he was immediately placed under secret residential surveillance at a private home in Zaoyang City, Hubei Province, where designated personnel have been guarding him, prohibiting him from going out or receiving visitors. He has still not been allowed to return home.
(Source: China Aid)
In April 2001, Founder and Pastor of the South China Church, Gong Shengliang, was arrested along with sixteen other South China Church leaders. He was convicted and given a death sentence for “using a heretical organization to undermine the implementation of the law”. In 2006 his death sentence was reduced to life in prison. In 2012 Gong Shengliang suffered a debilitating stroke which left him paralyzed on his left side. His family appealed his release on medical grounds but their request was denied.
In 2022 it was reported that Pastor Gong Shengliang was the only remaining South China Church member still in prison. He was due to be released in April 2025.
