Zion Church pastor Jin Ezra released after 266 days; husband petitions for wife’s freedom

In July 2026, the husband of Beijing Zion Church pastor Wang Cong, Ren Zhong, appeared at the Beihai City Prosecutor's Office in Guangxi and submitted a request to drop the charges against his wife, who remains detained after the October 9‑10, 2025 crackdown on the underground Zion Church. Ren said eight other church workers are still imprisoned and urged their immediate release.

Earlier in the month, senior Zion Church pastor Jin Ezra (Jin Mingri), detained for 266 days on “illegal use of information networks” charges, was freed and flown to the United States. In an essay for the Wall Street Journal he thanked U.S. officials, especially former President Trump, for diplomatic efforts that secured his release, described his return to family life, and called for continued prayers for the still‑incarcerated pastors and for religious freedom in China.