Ezra Jin Mingri, a 57-year-old pastor who leads one of China’s most influential underground churches, was released from a detention center in Beihai on July 3 after being held since October. Within 24 hours, he traveled to Los Angeles, where he reunited with his family and celebrated American Independence Day. Jin said he was suddenly called to gather his belongings and transferred via high-speed train to Guangzhou’s international airport, where prosecutors decided not to indict him on charges related to running an unregistered church.
Jin credited his release to President Trump’s diplomatic efforts. Trump stated that he raised Jin’s case during a May visit to Beijing and reported that Chinese leader Xi Jinping indicated he would “strongly consider” the pastor’s situation. Jin characterized the outcome as a “miracle” and described Trump’s approach as having “unique diplomacy” with “results.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded by stating that the country manages religious affairs according to law and opposes foreign interference on religious matters.
Zion Church, founded by Jin in 2007, grew into one of China’s most prominent independent congregations. The church refused to install surveillance cameras when authorities demanded it in 2018, leading to the closure of its physical sanctuary. Jin remained in China to continue developing the congregation through small group meetings and online outreach during the pandemic, while his family relocated to the United States. His October 2025 detention occurred during a broader crackdown on church leaders.
Jin’s release stands out as unusual given that China typically resists foreign pressure regarding detainees. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, he was granted a one-year visa and reunited with his family, including three grandchildren, after years of separation. His daughter Grace Jin Drexel noted visible changes in his appearance due to weight loss and aging during captivity. Jin met with House Speaker Mike Johnson this week alongside relatives of other detained Christians and pledged to advocate for the eight remaining Zion Church members and other detained believers in China, including Wang Yi of the Early Rain Covenant Church, who is serving a nine-year sentence.
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