A member of the Church of Almighty God, often described by Chinese media as “the most dangerous cult,” has been granted refugee status in New Zealand.
Known only as X, he joined the Church in 2018 and fled to New Zealand in 2023 after the disappearance of a fellow church member. Initially denied refugee status, X appealed the decision.
The New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal recently acknowledged the real threat he faces if returned to Hong Kong, particularly due to the increasingly oppressive political climate and the church’s illegal status in China. The Church of Almighty God, also known as Eastern Lightning, has been banned in China since 1995, with its members often facing severe persecution.
The tribunal’s decision noted the group’s controversial history, including violent acts attributed to its members, yet emphasised that the church itself does not condone such actions. Judge Martin Treadwell highlighted that isolated incidents of violence did not represent the church’s stance.
Testimonies from other church members, who were granted refugee status in different countries, detailed extensive persecution and surveillance by Chinese authorities.
The tribunal concluded that X should be recognised as a refugee to protect him from serious harm and human rights breaches if he returns to Hong Kong.
I’ll say in once and keep saying it. Govt and its institutions don’t represent our interests anymore.