**China Releases Underground Church Pastor After Months in Detention**
*Los Angeles, CA – July 5, 2026* – Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, a prominent figure in China's underground Christian movement and founder of the Zion Church, has been released from detention after several months. His family and the Christian rights organization ChinaAid confirmed his arrival in Los Angeles on July 4, 2026, following his release from detention centers in Beihai, a city in southern China.
Pastor Jin, who is also known by his English name, has been a significant leader within China's unregistered churches, which operate outside the state-sanctioned religious framework. The Zion Church, established by Jin in 2007, is one of the largest underground congregations in the country. Despite the church's physical premises being shut down by authorities in 2018, it continued to function online, maintaining a connection with thousands of worshippers.
Jin’s detention was part of a broader crackdown on religious groups in China, where authorities have increasingly targeted unregistered churches. In a significant operation last year, eighteen leaders from the Zion Church were arrested on charges of "illegally using information networks." This crackdown has raised concerns among human rights advocates regarding the treatment of religious minorities in China.
In a statement celebrating Jin's release, ChinaAid expressed gratitude and described the event as a "miracle." Jin's family echoed this sentiment, expressing their overwhelming joy and gratitude to God for his return. They also acknowledged the role of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had raised Jin's case with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing in May. At that time, Trump indicated that Xi was "seriously considering" the pastor's release.
Grace Jin, one of the pastor's daughters, stated, "We know that this could not have happened without the direct intervention from Chairman Xi Jinping. We hope this is a signal of a positive turn for people of faith in China and relations between our two nations."
Despite the relief surrounding Jin's release, concerns remain for other members of the Zion Church. Maya Wang, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, highlighted that at least eight members of the church are still detained in China. She called for their immediate release, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by religious groups in the country.
As of now, there has been no official comment from China's foreign ministry regarding Jin's release or the circumstances surrounding it. The situation reflects the complex dynamics of religious freedom in China, where unregistered churches continue to face significant risks despite occasional instances of leniency.
Pastor Jin’s release marks a significant moment for the underground Christian community in China, raising hopes for improved conditions for religious practice and a potential thaw in U.S.-China relations regarding human rights issues.