Chinese Pastor Who Protested Cross Removal Released from Prison

A Chinese pastor has been released from prison after being detained for two months for publicly protesting the government's removal of church crosses.

Joseph Gu Yuese, pastor of China's largest Protestant church, was arrested Feb. 6 for protesting the government's removal of crosses from state-sanctioned churches. 

The cross removals are the government's newest wave of persecution against Christians. Critics say Christianity's recent rise in China has made the atheistic communist government nervous.

Although Pastor Gu Yuese has been released, he is confined to house arrest, banned from preaching, and forbidden from making outside contact without permission.

Members of Gu's church have confirmed his release and ask for prayer.

"He is out now and let's pray for him," one member told ABC News, adding it was "impossible" for Pastor Gu to return to church.

China Aid , a U.S.-based Christian organization aimed at protecting the human rights of China's Christians says there are many more who need to be released.

"All of the people currently apprehended should be released," China Aid founder Bob Fu said. 

Others like Pastor Gu are in government custody following the cross removal protests.