Detained Pastor’s Release & US-China Diplomacy

Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, a leader of a significant underground church in China, was detained in October but has been released. His release came shortly after discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Pastor Mingri has since reunited with his family in Los Angeles, as shared by Frances Hui from the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation.

Pastor Jin and 17 others from the Zion Church were detained during one of China’s most extensive actions against a single church in decades. This raised concerns about increasing restrictions on religious freedom in the country. The family expressed gratitude towards Trump, recognizing Xi’s role in the release and hoped for improved relations and religious freedom going forward.

The White House has not commented on Jin’s release. The spotlight on Jin’s situation followed Trump’s efforts during a Beijing visit, where he raised concerns with Xi about the pastor and imprisoned Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai. While Xi showed a willingness to consider the pastor’s case, he remarked on the challenges related to Lai, who was sentenced to 20 years.

Activists have praised Jin’s release but continue to advocate for the other church leaders still detained. Human Rights Watch’s Maya Wang highlighted that at least eight members of the Zion Church remain in detention. The Zion Church is notable as one of China’s largest underground congregations, operating without government registration, which challenges the Chinese Communist Party’s strict control over religion.

Grace Jin Drexel, Pastor Jin’s daughter, described Zion Church’s founding as a pursuit of religious freedom, with God as the central figurehead. Despite previous threats, Jin returned to China from the U.S. following pressure on Zion Church in 2018. His daughter, who testified before Congress, had not seen her father in six years until his recent arrival.