China Detains Dozens of Underground Church Pastors in Major Crackdown

Widespread Detentions Target Zion Church Leadership

Chinese police have detained dozens of pastors and members from the Zion Church, a prominent underground Christian congregation, over the weekend in a coordinated operation spanning several provinces. This marks the most significant crackdown on Christian groups in China since 2018. Among those apprehended was Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, the 56-year-old founder of the Zion Church, who was reportedly arrested at his home in Beihai, Guangxi Province.

Church representatives and family members confirmed the detentions, with spokesperson Sean Long stating that nearly 30 pastors and members were initially taken into custody across multiple provinces, including Beijing and Shanghai. Approximately 150 worshippers were also questioned by authorities. Pastor Jin Mingri is currently being held at the Beihai City No. 2 Detention Centre, facing charges of 'illegal use of information networks,' an offense that carries a potential sentence of up to seven years in prison.

Zion Church: A Growing Unregistered Congregation

The Zion Church, established in 2007, is recognized as one of China's largest unregistered Christian churches, boasting approximately 5,000 regular worshippers across nearly 50 cities. The congregation experienced rapid growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, by utilizing online sermons and facilitating small in-person gatherings. The church had previously faced government pressure, notably being banned in 2018 after refusing to install surveillance cameras in its sanctuary.

The recent detentions follow new regulations implemented last month by Chinese authorities, which prohibit unauthorized online preaching, religious training, and 'foreign collusion.' This move aligns with President Xi Jinping's stated commitment to 'Sinicisation of religion,' an initiative aimed at aligning religious practices with the ideology of the Communist Party.

International Condemnation and Broader Context

The crackdown has elicited strong reactions from the international community. The U.S. State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have condemned the detentions, urging Beijing to immediately release the arrested pastors and allow individuals to practice their faith without fear of retribution. Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence also called for the immediate release of Pastor Jin Mingri and other Christian leaders.

Observers note that these arrests occur amidst heightened tensions between China and the United States, particularly following China's recent decision to expand controls on rare earth exports. Human rights organizations have consistently highlighted China's intensifying suppression of religious freedom, with unregistered 'house churches' frequently targeted by authorities.