WASHINGTON (AP) – Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, a leader of a prominent underground church in China, has been released from detention, less than two months after his case was highlighted by U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. This information was confirmed by the pastor's family and rights advocates on Saturday.
Pastor Jin arrived in Los Angeles and was described as "finally reunited with his family," according to Frances Hui from the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, who posted the update on social media platform X. He was among 18 leaders of the underground Zion Church who were detained in October, which marked one of the largest crackdowns on a single church in China in decades. This incident raised significant concerns regarding the increasing restrictions on religious freedoms under the Chinese government.
A statement from Jin's family indicated that the release occurred rather swiftly. They expressed gratitude towards President Trump and acknowledged that his release might not have been possible without Xi Jinping's direct involvement. In their statement, the family expressed hope that this development signifies a potential positive shift for individuals of faith in China and for the diplomatic relations between the United States and China.
The White House has not responded to requests for comments regarding this matter.
Pastor Jin's situation gained considerable attention when Trump, during a state visit to Beijing in May, mentioned that he had discussed the pastor's release with Xi. Trump stated that the Chinese leader had promised to give the issue serious consideration.
While activists celebrated Jin's release, they also pointed out the plight of others still detained. Maya Wang from Human Rights Watch announced on social media that at least eight members of Zion Church remain in custody in China, demanding their immediate release. The Zion Church is notable for being one of the largest unregistered congregations that defy Chinese Communist Party regulations mandating that believers worship solely in authorized churches.
Grace Jin Drexel, the pastor's daughter who resides in the United States, provided insight into her father's motivations for founding the Zion Church, emphasizing the desire for a church where "God is the sole head," similar to many devoted Christians worldwide. She testified before a congressional committee in November, sharing her personal experience of being separated from her father for six years as he chose to return to China despite the risks to his safety.
In summary, the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for religious freedom in China, highlighting both the potential for diplomatic dialogue and the unresolved issues facing those who continue to be detained for practicing their faith. The case illustrates the tension between individual religious rights and the restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on unregistered religious congregations.
