By Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux

http://www.care2.com/causes/human-rights/blog/china-arrests/

As Easter approached a few days ago, the leaders of an unofficial Christian church in China proclaimed their intention to defy Communist Party officials and hold outdoor Easter services.  And sure enough, hundreds of church members were detained in their homes and 36 others were taken into custody after they tried to hold an Easter worship service in a public square.  This new confrontation comes amid an increasing crackdown on unregistered faith groups.  The conflict, overall, has inspired a condemnation from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and raises questions about the state of religious freedom in China.