National Endowment for Democracy 230d ago

Pastor Wang Yi is one of China’s most courageous defenders of religious freedom. As the leader of the Early Rain Covenant Church, he fearlessly stood for the right to worship freely, despite growing persecution from the Chinese Communist Party. In 2018, Pastor Wang was sentenced to nine years in prison for “inciting subversion.” Now in his seventh year behind bars, Pastor Wang’s resolve continues to inspire. His story is a powerful reminder that the light of faith and freedom cannot be extinguished. The 2025 Democracy Service Medal was accepted on his behalf by Cao Yaxue, founder of China Change, who continues to amplify the voices of China’s bravest dissidents and defenders of human rights. About the Democracy Service Medal: The Democracy Service Medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated, through personal commitment, their dedication to the advancement of freedom and human rights, and to the building of democratic institutions. The National Endowment for Democracy is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. Each year, NED makes more than 2,000 grants to support the projects of non-governmental groups abroad who are working for democratic goals in more than 100 countries. Learn more at https://www.ned.org/ Follow NED: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/National.Endowment.for.Democracy Twitter - https://twitter.com/nedemocracy Instagram - https://instagram.com/nedemocracy/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-endowment-for-democracy/