The Trump administration has demanded that a pastor detained in China be released. Pastor Jin Mingr, who also goes by Ezra Jin, was detained on October 10.
“The United States condemns the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s recent detention of dozens of leaders of the unregistered house Zion Church in China, including prominent pastor Mingri ‘Ezra’ Jin,” Rubio said. “This crackdown further demonstrates how the CCP exercises hostility towards Christians who reject Party interference in their faith and choose to worship at unregistered house churches.” The statement demanded that the CCP “immediately release the detained church leaders and to allow all people of faith, including members of house churches, to engage in religious activities without fear of retribution.”
A statement released by Zion Church on October 12 said China launched a “sweeping operation” across Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan, arresting pastors, ministers, and members of Zion Church.
“More than 30 church leaders and believers have been detained or disappeared; worship venues have been raided and sealed, properties confiscated, and family members harassed,” the statement said.
The statement declared that the only “offense” committed is “worshiping God peacefully, preaching the Gospel faithfully, shepherding their flock, and serving their neighbors.” These actions are “protected under both the Constitution of China and international human rights law.”
Noting that China’s actions violate other laws, Zion Church asserted, “Such systemic persecution is not only a desecration against God’s Church but also an open affront to the international community.”
The House’s Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party said in a statement on X: “There is no freedom of religion in China. The CCP routinely persecutes people of faith and Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri is its latest victim. China should immediately release Pastor Mingri and end the religious persecution of all Chinese people.”
