Jin Mingri, also known as Ezra Jin, founder of the underground Zion Church in China, was released from prison and arrived in Los Angeles, United States, in early July 2026 [1, 2]. Jin had been detained in October 2025 during a widespread crackdown on unregistered churches across China [3, 1].
The release followed direct discussions between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Trump's state visit to Beijing in May 2026 [3, 4]. Trump raised Jin's detention with Xi, who was reported to be "seriously considering" releasing jailed pastors, with Trump stating Xi would "strongly consider the pastor" [3, 4]. Grace Jin, Jin's daughter, expressed gratitude saying, "We thank God for this tremendous miracle. We also thank President Trump and his administration for their tremendous leadership" [4]. Jin's family said, "We truly witnessed a miracle and we are feeling so overwhelmed with joy" [3].
Jin founded the Zion Church in 2007, which grew to about 10,000 members in 40 cities before being banned by Chinese authorities in 2018 [3]. Despite Jin's release, China continues to detain at least eight other Zion Church members and leaders, according to rights groups [3, 2]. Maya Wang, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, called for their freedom: "At least 8 members of Zion Church remain detained in China. They should all be freed" [2]. Chinese officials accused Jin and others of "illegally using information networks" as part of the crackdown but have not officially commented on Jin's release as of July 2026 [1, 2].
The Zion Church remains banned, and the Chinese government maintains tight controls on underground religious groups. Human rights observers continue to monitor restrictions on unregistered churches [3, 2].
Jin's detention began October 10, 2025, and after diplomatic advocacy in May 2026, he was released and reached the US on July 4, 2026 [3, 1]. His family and US-based group ChinaAid have thanked leaders from both nations for facilitating his freedom [3, 4].
