Chinese Pastor Jin Mingri Freed After U.S.-Prompted Release

Pastor Jin “Ezra” Mingri, leader of the underground Zion Church in China, was released on July 5 after nine months of detention following a raid on his congregation. His freedom came after President Donald Trump raised the case in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, prompting Chinese authorities to release him. Jin’s family thanked Trump, Secretary of State Steve Rubio, and U.S. legislators for their support, while noting that at least eight other members of the church remain imprisoned.

The case has highlighted Beijing’s crackdown on unregistered Christian houses of worship, which the Communist Party views as a threat to its authority. Under Xi’s rule, authorities have intensified efforts to “Sinicize” religion, demanding loyalty to the Party from religious groups.

Human‑rights groups continue to call for the release of the remaining detained church leaders, saying the persecution violates religious freedom.