Rev. John Sanqiang Cao, a Chinese pastor, is facing numerous restrictions and challenges after his release from prison. Cao was arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison while returning from a missionary trip in Burma. Despite being released, he is unable to access legal documentation in China and is unable to access basic services without Chinese identification. Cao feels like a “second-class” citizen due to the restrictions placed upon him even after his release.
Cao, who was born and raised in Changsha, had dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in China, where the religion is closely regulated by the government. He had studied in the U.S., married an American woman, and started a family but felt called to return to China and spread the faith despite the risks involved. Christianity in China is allowed only in state-sponsored churches, and anything else, including clandestine “house” churches, is considered illegal. Cao is undeterred and had set up Bible study schools across the country before his arrest.
Cao’s arrest came as a shock to his family and supporters who lobbied for his sentence to be reduced, to no avail. He was sentenced to seven years on a charge of “organizing others to illegally cross the border.” Even after completing his sentence, he is facing a major obstacle due to the removal of his name from the hukou registration, which is essential for obtaining national identification in China. Despite traveling on his Chinese passport, which was later expired and unable to be renewed, Cao is unable to receive a satisfactory answer from the police regarding his missing records.
Cao’s sons were able to visit him, however, the pastor expressed a desire to join his family in the U.S. but faces challenges in doing so due to his lack of legal documentation in China. He describes his situation as moving from a smaller prison to a bigger one, as he continues to navigate the restrictions placed upon him despite being released from prison. Cao remains determined to overcome the obstacles he faces and reunite with his family.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has labeled Cao as a prisoner of conscience and has urged for his freedom. Despite his dedication to spreading Christianity in China and participating in relief work in border areas, Cao has faced legal repercussions and obstacles upon his release from prison. His undocumented status in China has made it difficult for him to access basic services and poses a significant challenge in reuniting with his family in the U.S.
Cao’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals who practice religion outside of state-sanctioned institutions in China. Despite his commitment to his faith and his mission work, Cao has encountered legal barriers and restrictions upon his release from prison. His determination to overcome these obstacles and reunite with his family is a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to his beliefs.
