Ezra Jin Mingri, a 57-year-old pastor who leads one of China’s most influential independent churches, was detained in a southern Chinese detention center beginning in October 2025. He was held on charges including illegal business activity and fraud related to operating an unregistered congregation. On July 3, Jin was unexpectedly released after spending 266 days in custody.
Jin attributed his sudden release to diplomatic intervention by President Trump, who raised his case during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in May. According to Jin’s account, he was transported via high-speed train to Guangzhou and then to an international airport, where prosecutors declared the decision not to indict him. He was provided a passport and placed on a flight to the United States with assistance from a U.S. diplomat.
Jin founded Zion Church in 2007, which grew to become one of China’s most prominent independent congregations. The church distinguishes itself by operating outside the government-sanctioned religious framework. In 2018, Beijing authorities closed the church’s physical location after the congregation refused to install surveillance cameras. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the congregation shifted to small group meetings and developed a significant online presence.
Following his arrival in Los Angeles, Jin was reunited with his family, including three grandchildren whom he had not previously met. He was granted a one-year visa. House Speaker Mike Johnson met with Jin this week, characterizing his release as having bipartisan support. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the country manages religious affairs according to law and opposes foreign interference on religious grounds. Jin indicated his priority is securing the release of eight other detained Zion Church members and advocating for legal recognition of independent churches in China.
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