China has launched a sweeping and unprecedented crackdown on Christians, targeting Pastor Ezra Jin, founder of Zion Church, and dozens of church leaders and members. Zion Church is a large “underground house church” with congregations across China. Dozens of its members were arrested simply for worshiping freely outside the state-controlled system.
Pastor Jin, a pastor and father of children with U.S. citizenship, was arrested at his home in Beihai, Guangxi, on Friday, October 10. According to his daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, the arrests have been “very scary” for the family. Yet she reiterated their faith in God: “We know that he [Pastor Jin] is doing God’s work.”
Take action with us in demanding the release of Pastor Jin. Sign our petition: Free Christian Pastor Ezra Jin from Chinese Prison.
Along with Pastor Jin, more than 30 pastors and church staff were arrested or simply vanished on Thursday. According to a spokesperson for Zion Church: “They broke into homes, handcuffed even the elderly, and took them away. One pastor’s mother had a heart attack during the arrest. Another woman was dragged from her newborn baby.” Some face criminal charges, including “illegal dissemination of religious information via the internet.” Witnesses report that police carried a “wanted list” and were violent during arrests.
These attacks are a stark reminder of the severe persecution Christians face in China simply for worshiping according to their faith. Though China’s constitution promises religious freedom, the Chinese Communist Party, an officially atheist regime, restricts worship to government-controlled, state-approved organizations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the arrests and demanded that Beijing allow all believers, including house church members, to worship without fear of retribution.
The ACLJ has sent a formal letter to Secretary Rubio urging immediate action to secure the release of Pastor Ezra Jin. Our letter condemns China’s escalating persecution of Christians, details violations of international law, and calls on the State Department to demand Pastor Jin’s release, confront the CCP’s abuse, and prioritize religious freedom in all U.S.-China relations.
This isn’t the first time Pastor Jin and Zion Church have faced persecution. In 2018, authorities raided and shut down the church, forcing it to operate online and in scattered locations. Zion’s virtual services draw tens of thousands of believers each week on Zoom, YouTube, WeChat, and other platforms, extending its reach far beyond its walls.
The situation is dire. Those arrested are at risk of torture, forced labor, and lengthy prison sentences. The ACLJ is standing with these brave Christians, calling on Congress, the White House, and the United Nations to take urgent action. President Xi must be pressured to release Pastor Ezra Jin and the dozens of other underground church leaders who are suffering simply for their faith.
We have successfully fought for a persecuted pastor in China before. Today, we are activating our global advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., Europe, and at the U.N. to defend Pastor Jin, his congregation, and the right to religious freedom in China.
No pastor, no believer, should be imprisoned for worshiping God. Zion Church members have vowed to continue their online and in-person services despite these arrests, refusing to let fear silence their faith. The courage of Pastor Ezra Jin and his congregation is a call to action for all who value religious freedom.
Time is critical. Your voice and support are needed now to hold the Chinese government accountable and defend these persecuted believers. Take action with the ACLJ today – Sign our petition: Free pastor Jin from Chinese imprisonment.
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