Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, founder of Beijing’s Zion Church, was released from Chinese detention on Friday after 250 days in prison and has returned to the United States. His release follows President Donald Trump’s discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a May state visit, where Trump raised Jin’s case directly with Xi. Jin’s family credited Xi’s intervention for the release, calling it a potential positive shift for religious freedom in China.
Jin, 57, was arrested in October 2023 during a broader crackdown on religious activity and charged with “illegally using information networks.” Zion Church, one of China’s largest underground Protestant congregations, had its physical location shut down in 2018 and later moved services online, reaching an estimated 1,000 people. Seventeen other church leaders were also detained in the same crackdown.
Background on Religious Restrictions in China
China’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but the Communist Party tightly controls religious activity. Unregistered churches like Zion operate outside government oversight, and authorities require state approval for religious materials. Jin refused to register his church, leading to his arrest and charges of running an illegal business operation.
U.S. Political Reactions
Former Vice President Mike Pence praised Trump for securing Jin’s release, calling it a “treasure in heaven.” Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) also thanked Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while urging further action for jailed Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai. Lai, a British entrepreneur and pro-democracy advocate, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in February 2024 for foreign collusion and sedition.
Jin’s daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, expressed gratitude to Trump and Xi, noting the family had been separated for nearly a decade. She hoped his release signaled improved relations between the U.S. and China on religious freedom.
The White House and Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.