Chinese underground church pastor Ezra Jin freed after Trump raised case

Ezra Jin, founder of China's underground Zion Church, was released from prison and reunited with his family in the US on July 4, 2026 Source: CNN. His release came less than two months after US President Donald Trump raised his case with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing in May Source: BBC. Jin's family thanked both leaders, saying it 'could not have happened without the direct intervention from Chairman Xi Jinping' Source: CNN.

The crackdown

Jin was among leaders of the unregistered Zion Church detained in October 2025 in what advocates described as a major crackdown on religious activity Source: Al Jazeera. Reports differ on the total number detained: some sources say 18 leaders were arrested Source: NPR, while others mention 30 church leaders Source: BBC. Jin had been held in Beihai, southern China, since October Source: DW News.

Remaining detainees

Human rights groups caution that many church members remain in custody. At least eight members of Zion Church are still detained, according to Human Rights Watch Source: NPR. The Guardian reports that nine others were released on bail pending trial, while eight remain in detention Source: The Guardian. The family hopes Jin's release 'is a signal of a positive turn for people of faith in China' Source: Al Jazeera.