USCIRF Condemns Mass Detention of Chinese Church Leaders, Including Pastor Mingri Jin

USCIRF Denounces Crackdown on Chinese House Church

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has issued a strong condemnation of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) recent detention of Pastor Mingri Jin, also known as Ezra Jin, and approximately 30 other leaders and members of the Zion Church in China. The detentions, which occurred around October 10, 2025, are part of an escalating campaign against unregistered religious groups in the country.

USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler stated that 'With these arrests, the CCP once again has demonstrated its utter contempt for religious freedom.' USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood echoed this sentiment, adding that 'The Chinese government will stop at nothing — even its own borders – to repress religious freedom for everyone.'

Details of the Detentions and Allegations

Pastor Mingri Jin, 56, the founder of Zion Church, was reportedly detained at his home in Beihai, Guangxi province. Simultaneously, other church leaders and members were apprehended across multiple cities and provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shandong, Sichuan, and Henan. Authorities have alleged 'illegal dissemination of information online' or 'illegal use of information networks' as the reason for the arrests, a charge that can carry a maximum jail term of seven years.

Reports indicate that police searched homes, confiscating electronic devices such as computers and cell phones. While some individuals have reportedly been released, around 20 pastors and church leaders remain in detention. Pastor Jin's daughter, Grace Jin, confirmed that lawyers have been barred from meeting the detained church members.

Zion Church and China's 'Sinicization' Policy

The Zion Church, founded by Pastor Jin in 2007, is one of China's largest unregistered 'house churches.' Before its main Beijing location was shut down in 2018, it had grown to approximately 1,500 members. Following the 2018 crackdown, the church transitioned to an online model, expanding its network to over 40 cities and attracting up to 10,000 online worshippers.

These detentions align with the CCP's broader 'Sinicization of Religion' policy, which intensified under President Xi Jinping. This policy aims to bring all religious practices under the strict control and ideological alignment of the CCP, effectively criminalizing non-state-sanctioned religious activities. The CCP views unregistered churches like Zion as a challenge to its authority.

International Calls for Release and Religious Freedom

The USCIRF has consistently highlighted China's severe religious freedom violations, recommending that the U.S. Department of State continue to designate China as a 'Country of Particular Concern' (CPC). The commission held a hearing on 'State-Controlled Religion in China' on October 16, 2025, where these latest developments were addressed.

Beyond USCIRF, other U.S. officials have also condemned the arrests. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for the immediate release of the detained church leaders. Former Vice President Mike Pence has also spoken out, urging the CCP to release Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and other Christian leaders immediately.