China Releases House Church Leader After 9 Months

Pastor Jin "Ezra" Mingri stepped off a plane in Los Angeles on July 3, 2026, reuniting with his family after nine months behind bars in China.

Jin, who led Zion Church in Beijing, was detained in October 2025. His arrest drew sharp criticism from Christian advocacy groups and U.S. lawmakers who called on the Trump administration to press Beijing for his release.

The release came after months of diplomatic back-and-forth. President Trump raised Jin's case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Xi reportedly agreed to "strongly consider" the matter. Jin was freed days later.

Eight other Zion Church leaders remain in custody in China, according to Christianity Today. Their cases have received less international attention, and advocates say the fight for their release is far from over.

Jin's detention was part of a broader crackdown on unregistered Protestant churches in China. Zion Church, which Jin founded, operated outside the state-sanctioned church system and drew thousands of worshippers before authorities shut it down in 2018.

Christian advocacy groups praised Jin's release but warned that religious freedom conditions in China have not improved. Open Doors USA and other organizations say China remains one of the most restrictive countries in the world for Christians.

"We are grateful Pastor Jin is home," said one advocacy leader. "But the work is not done. Eight of his colleagues are still imprisoned, and millions of Chinese Christians still face daily restrictions on their faith."

Jin's case drew attention to the broader issue of U.S.-China relations and religious freedom. Advocates say the Trump administration's willingness to link trade and diplomatic talks to the release of religious prisoners marks a shift from previous approaches.

For now, Jin is home. His congregation and supporters around the world are calling for the same outcome for the eight leaders still held in China.