Chinese authorities have detained Ezra Jin Mingri, the pastor of Zion Church, one of the most significant underground Christian congregations in the country. The congregation, which Jin had led to become one of the largest unofficial Christian groups in China, has been under increasing government scrutiny. His arrest comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Chinese state to regulate religious activities and ensure compliance with national laws regarding religious organizations.
Jin had become a prominent figure in Beijing’s underground Christian community, with his Church attracting thousands of followers despite the heightened legal risks. The government’s increased pressure on Christianity has been a part of broader policies aimed at maintaining social stability and preventing the spread of what authorities view as politically destabilizing religious movements.
The detention of Jin and other members of the church highlights the tension between religious freedom and state control in China. His family has confirmed that he was taken into custody on Friday, but the exact charges against him remain unclear. This incident reflects the ongoing challenges faced by religious groups in the country and the authorities’ continued emphasis on regulating religious activities to align with national policies.