Founder of one of China’s biggest underground churches freed, reunites with family in US
Founder of China's Major Underground Church Freed, Reunites with Family in U.S.
Founder of one of China s biggest - Founder of one of China's largest underground churches, Ezra Jin, has been released from custody and reunited with his family in the United States, according to his daughter. Jin, who established the Zion Church in Beijing, was detained during a major operation targeting unregistered religious groups earlier in the year. His case has become a focal point in discussions about religious freedom and the government's approach to faith-based organizations in China.
Religious Crackdown and Government Control
China’s government has long maintained strict oversight of religious activities, categorizing unregistered groups as potential threats to national unity. Christian communities, particularly those operating outside state-sanctioned frameworks, have faced intensified scrutiny in recent years. Ezra Jin’s church, which gained a substantial following among believers in Beijing, was targeted as part of broader efforts to consolidate control over religious practices. The 2018 crackdown marked a significant escalation in the government's strategy to suppress dissenting faith groups, with Jin’s arrest symbolizing the challenges faced by underground congregations.
“We are overwhelmed with joy. We thank God for this remarkable miracle,” said Grace Jin Drexel, Ezra Jin’s daughter, in a statement to CNN. “Our gratitude also extends to the Trump administration for their decisive actions, which facilitated this outcome through diplomatic engagement with China’s leadership.”
Jin’s family had relocated to the U.S. in 2018 to reduce the pressure of state surveillance. However, he returned to China to continue his ministry, only to be detained again. His separation from his family lasted several months, during which his daughter actively lobbied for his release. This personal struggle underscores the personal and political stakes involved in China’s religious policies, as well as the role of international advocacy in influencing outcomes.
International Response and Faith-Based Advocacy
The release of Ezra Jin has sparked both relief and renewed calls for action from global human rights organizations. While his return to the U.S. is a victory, advocates stress that it is only one step in a broader movement to protect religious freedoms in China. “His freedom brings hope, but we must continue to highlight the plight of others still imprisoned for their beliefs,” said Brian Tronic of Freedom House. Rev. Dr. Bob Fu of ChinaAid added that Jin’s case exemplifies the power of international pressure in challenging China’s religious restrictions.
International actors, including the U.S. State Department and the White House, have played a critical role in Jin’s release. The decision to engage with Chinese officials and advocate for religious detainees reflects a growing emphasis on faith-based diplomacy. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has yet to provide a detailed explanation of the legal basis for Jin’s detention or the criteria used to target his church. This lack of transparency has fueled concerns about the systematic suppression of religious groups in China.
Impact of the Crackdown on Underground Churches
The crackdown on unregistered religious groups has had a profound impact on the underground church community in China. Many congregations have been forced to operate in secrecy, relying on coded messages and hidden meeting spaces to avoid detection. Ezra Jin’s Zion Church, which once attracted thousands of followers, became a symbol of resistance against state control. Its members faced risks of arrest, fines, and even forced labor, as the government sought to enforce ideological conformity.
Despite these challenges, underground churches have persisted, often adapting to new restrictions. Jin’s case has galvanized support from both within China and abroad, demonstrating the resilience of religious communities. His release not only renews hope for his own family but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between religious autonomy and political authority in the country. Advocates argue that his case should prompt a reevaluation of China’s policies toward faith-based groups, particularly in light of international scrutiny and human rights concerns.
The government’s rationale for targeting Ezra Jin’s church centers on its perceived role as a foreign influence. Chinese authorities have long accused Christian groups of promoting Western values and undermining socialist ideology. This perspective has justified the suppression of unregistered churches, which are seen as potential breeding grounds for dissent. However, supporters of Jin emphasize that his ministry focused on spiritual guidance and community support, with no evidence of subversive activity.