Ezra Jin Mingri, a 57-year-old pastor who led Zion Church, one of China’s most influential unregistered congregations, was detained in a detention center in Beihai, southern China, starting in October. On July 3, after being held for 266 days, Jin was suddenly released and flown to the United States, reuniting with his family in Los Angeles.
Jin attributed his release to diplomatic efforts by President Donald Trump, who raised the pastor’s case during meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in May. Trump indicated that Xi said he would “strongly consider the pastor.” Jin was processed at an airport where prosecutors declared charges including illegal business activity and fraud would not be pursued. He was provided a passport and boarding on a nearly 13-hour flight to Los Angeles, where U.S. officials greeted him and provided a one-year visa.
Zion Church, founded by Jin in 2007, grew into a major independent congregation that refused government oversight, including refusing to install surveillance cameras when authorities demanded it in 2018. The church operated through small group meetings and online platforms, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jin’s family had relocated to the United States years earlier, though Jin remained in China to continue leading the congregation until his October detention.
Upon arrival in Los Angeles, Jin reunited with his family and met grandchildren for the first time, including a newborn grandson. His daughter Grace Jin Drexel noted visible physical changes in her father from his detention period. The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to inquiries about the release by stating that China manages religious affairs according to law and opposes foreign interference in internal matters.
Jin subsequently met with House Speaker Mike Johnson and relatives of other detained Christians in China. He expressed commitment to advocating for the release of eight other Zion Church members and other Christian detainees, including Wang Yi, pastor of Early Rain Covenant Church, who is serving a nine-year sentence. Jin stated his primary goal is securing recognition of independent churches by the Chinese government.
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