Persecution of Chinese Christians is reportedly worsening, with officials now destroying one of the country's largest churches. The church's pastor was also detained.

ChinaAid, a persecution watchdog, reports that the destruction took place on Friday, October 18.

Authorities used heavy machinery to knock down the walls of the large building. The church had been able to seat up to 3,000 people. The church was part of the country's officially recognized church network. Churches in China have to register with the government and obtain permission to operate, which this church had.

ChinaAid claims the destruction of the church building took place while worship services were underway. The following day the church's pastors, Geng Yimin and Sun Yongyao, were detained under charges of "gathering a crowd to disturb social order."

“This is yet another clear example showing the escalation of religious persecution today by the Chinese Communist regime,” says ChinaAid President Bob Fu.

“The total disregard of religious freedom's protection as enshrined in the Communist Party's own Constitution tells the whole world President Xi is determined to continue his war against the peaceful Christian faithful. This campaign will surely fail in the end.”