10/05/2018 China (International Christian Concern) – Three years ago in the Hebei providence in northern China, Liu Honggeng, a priest in the underground church was taken away by government authorities. Since his arrest, his whereabouts remain unknown.

On May 7^th 2015, the priest was talking on the phone with a relative when he went missing. The police were contacted but there was no investigation regarding his disappearance. It wasn’t until later, that members of his church learned he was being detained in a remote location in Xieshang village in the Qingyuan district. Church members were unable to see him for “national security” purposes.

On a separate occasion his mother tried to go visit him. She was informed that he was been moved, but she was not told any further information. His whereabouts remain unknown.

His father, 83 and his mother 81, both suffer from various illness including myocardial and cerebral infraction, high blood pressure, and heart disease. An unnamed source close to the family said his parents fear they will never see their son again.

His family wonders how come the Vatican did not ask Beijing to release detained underground clerics before signing the Sino-Vatican agreement on bishop appointment

For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].