Jin Mingri, the founder of the Zion Church, has been released from prison in China and has arrived in the United States as of July 5, 2026. His release comes less than two months after his detention was specifically mentioned by Donald Trump during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Background on Jin Mingri's Detention
Jin Mingri was imprisoned following a series of overnight raids across China in October 2025, which were described by Christian groups as one of the most severe crackdowns on religious activities in the country's modern history. The Chinese government maintains strict control over religious practices, officially promoting atheism and requiring that religious activities occur only within state-sanctioned churches.
In a statement, Jin's family expressed their gratitude to supporters, saying, "We truly witnessed a miracle and we are feeling so overwhelmed with joy." The family also acknowledged the role of the US administration in Jin's release, stating, "We knew this could not have happened without the direct intervention from Xi Jinping."
International Reactions to Jin's Release
The Chinese foreign ministry has yet to comment on Jin Mingri's case. However, ChinaAid, a US-based rights group monitoring religious persecution, confirmed his arrival in Los Angeles. Bob Fu, the founder of ChinaAid, welcomed the news but noted that many religious practitioners, including eight members of the Zion Church, remain incarcerated in China.
