Ezra Jin, the founder of Zion Church, one of China’s most prominent underground Christian congregations, was released from detention and arrived in the United States on Friday evening. Jin had been among dozens of church members detained during a government crackdown on Christian groups that began in October. His family stated they were grateful for his release, which they attributed to divine intervention and credited the Trump administration’s efforts.
Jin’s case represents a relatively uncommon instance of China releasing one of its citizens in apparent response to United States diplomatic pressure. The case was raised by President Donald Trump during a visit to Beijing in May, where Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping was “seriously considering” the release of imprisoned pastors. Jin’s family, including his wife and children who reside in the United States, had consistently appealed to the U.S. government for his release. His daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, testified before Congress in November, and Trump subsequently pledged to advocate for her father’s case.
Zion Church was founded by Jin in 2007 and operated as an independent congregation outside government oversight. Following closure of the church’s physical location in Beijing in 2018, the group transitioned to online services that expanded its membership to thousands of adherents. China permits Christian worship only through government-controlled institutions, though many believers participate in unregistered “house churches” like Zion.
The detention of Zion Church members occurred amid an intensified government campaign against underground Christian groups. In January, members of another prominent congregation, Early Rain church, were detained, with additional raids and questioning of members reported in June. Nine members of Zion Church had their cases transferred to prosecutors on charges of illegal business operations and fraud, while nine others were released on bail pending trial. Several Zion Church members remain in detention.
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