Last Updated Nov 18th, 2019 at 10:16 am

Authorities forcibly removed congregants from True Jesus Church in China’s Henan province before demolishing the building. Authorities injured two elderly church-goers in the process, according to Chinese persecution watchdog Bitter Winter.

The Chinese government began persecuting congregants of True Jesus Church in June. Authorities allegedly cut off the church’s electrical supply, before approaching the church and forcibly removing congregants from the building in order to begin the demolition process.

Authorities said the church was engaged in “illegal fundraising” and was therefore an “illegal building.”

The building was demolished and has since been covered by a lawn with saplings.

? The Department of State has described China as a “concern” regarding religious freedom. This concern resulted in State Secretary Mike Pompeo restricting visas from Chinese officials implicit in religious persecution last week.