At least 30 Christians in China were detained while attending church service on Easter Sunday.

Police stopped Shouwang Church worshippers as they gathered near a public plaza in Beijing's university district. They were then bused to a local police station.

Just two weeks prior, as many as 169 congregants of the church were taken into custody after attending an unapproved prayer service at the same location.

Leaders of Shouwang Church say they have been in an ongoing battle with officials over their right to worship.

Shouwang pastor Jin Tianming has been trying to get his congregation to meet at the plaza every Sunday since his church was evicted from their usual place of worship three weeks ago.

Churchgoers said the landlord made the decision after being pressured by the government.

In China, all religious groups are required to register with the government, although many Christian leaders refuse because of increased control by authorities.

Shouwang is one of China's largest unregistered churches with more than 1,000 members.