11.   The house churches refuse to join with the government-run Protestant Church.

12.   There was no predetermined liturgy and no appointed leader, as is common in many house churches.

13.   While the registration drive is notorious among the house churches and their international supporters, it is actually good for Christianity, asserted Han, the official Protestant leader.

14.   Many priests ordained in the government-sponsored churches preside at house churches.

15.   Ms. Cheng traveled widely in Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia and Hebei provinces, helping to found many house churches and convert people to Christianity, the statement said.

16.   The Fangcheng church is one of scores of so-called house churches that operate out of private homes to avoid restrictions on worship.

17.   The group is one of scores of clandestine Christian communities, known as house churches because they are unable to worship in public.

18.   The Post said that despite seeking dialogue with the Vatican, Beijing continues to crack down on house churches.

19.   Treatment of house churches varies widely.