Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, founder of a prominent underground church in China, was released from detention on July 4, 2026, his family and ChinaAid reported. Jin had been held in detention centers in Beihai, China, since October 2025. His release follows a significant intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, who raised the case with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Background on Ezra Jin Mingri and Zion Church
Ezra Jin, also known by his English name, founded Zion Church in Beijing in 2007. The church is one of the largest unregistered underground or house churches in China, which operate outside the government's constraints. In 2018, authorities shut down the church's physical premises, but the group continued services online, reaching thousands of worshippers.
In 2025, during a crackdown on religious groups, Jin and several other church leaders were detained. A total of 18 leaders were arrested on charges of “illegally using information networks.” This crackdown was part of a broader effort to control unregistered religious activities in China.
Reactions to Jin's Release
Upon his release, Jin's family expressed overwhelming gratitude, stating, “We truly witnessed a miracle and we are feeling overwhelmed with joy.” They thanked both God and President Trump for his support. Grace Jin, one of his daughters, noted that Trump had discussed her father’s case with Xi during a visit to Beijing in May 2026.
