Imagine the fear gripping a family when their father, a devoted pastor and leader of thousands, is suddenly taken away by authorities in the dead of night—that's the harsh reality facing the underground Christian community in China right now, and it's a stark reminder of the ongoing battle for religious freedom.
In a sweeping operation that's sending shockwaves through faith communities worldwide, Chinese police have detained Pastor Ezra Jin, the founder of Zion Church, along with over 30 other pastors, staff, and members. This comes as part of a broader government crackdown on unregistered religious groups, which operate outside official state control. For those new to this topic, 'underground churches'—also known as house churches—are independent congregations that meet in homes or secret locations because they refuse to register with the government, allowing them to practice their faith without interference, but at great personal risk.
Pastor Jin, who is also the father of U.S. citizens, was apprehended on Friday at his residence in Beihai, located in China's Guangxi province. His daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, shared the heartbreaking details with NPR, describing the event as 'profoundly upsetting and terrifying for our entire family.' Yet, amid the turmoil, she holds onto hope, adding, 'We trust in the Lord's plan, and we believe my father is carrying out God's calling in his life.'
According to Sean Long, another pastor and the church's spokesperson, the arrests began ramping up on Thursday, with many individuals suddenly going silent or uncontactable to their loved ones. Several face serious accusations, such as 'unlawfully spreading religious materials online,' which highlights how digital tools have become a flashpoint in these suppressions. Witnesses reported that officers arrived with a pre-prepared list of targets and used aggressive tactics during the detentions—one particularly distressing account involves a female pastor being torn away from her infant child, leaving the family in anguish.
Long made a passionate plea to the international Christian community, urging, 'We implore the global body of believers to press the Chinese authorities for accountability. They can't act with impunity; the world needs to know what's happening. Please advocate for the swift release of our leaders and staff, and put an end to these detentions of our faithful members.' NPR attempted to get a statement from the Chinese embassy on Sunday, but so far, there's been no reply.
This isn't an isolated incident; over the past few years, China has intensified its efforts to curb independent religious expression. Underground Christian leaders have been jailed, and similar pressures have been applied to Muslim communities through detentions and forced 'sinicization' programs—efforts to align religious practices more closely with Chinese cultural and political norms. The Chinese Communist Party views religions like Christianity and Islam as potential avenues for foreign influence, which they see as a threat to national unity and security. But here's where it gets controversial: while the government frames these actions as protecting sovereignty, critics argue it's a blatant violation of basic human rights, raising the question—where does national security end and religious persecution begin?
Despite the risks, millions of Chinese people flock to these unregistered churches instead of the state-approved ones, drawn by a sense of authentic faith untainted by politics. Zion Church itself, founded in 2007, has seen explosive growth, now serving between 5,000 and 10,000 attendees weekly through a mix of virtual and scattered in-person gatherings. It faced a major raid and closure in 2018 during an earlier wave of crackdowns on independent groups, but remarkably, it bounced back, adapting with online services to keep the community connected.
Before dedicating his life to ministry, Pastor Jin was a student at Peking University during the historic 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations—a pivotal moment of pro-democracy protests that still echoes in China's political landscape. He later pursued advanced studies, earning a doctorate in ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in California, which equipped him with deep theological insights. Both Long and Jin Drexel noted that Jin seemed to anticipate trouble; in recent conversations, he spoke of how persecution might ignite a fresh spiritual awakening in China. He even prepared his family emotionally, discussing his legacy and ensuring video recordings of himself were ready for his grandchildren, should the worst occur.
'He had a clear understanding of the regime's stance and his own mission,' Jin Drexel reflected. 'He chose this path fully aware that imprisonment was a real possibility. Back in 2018, when the church was shut down, he was in the United States and could have sought asylum there. But his commitment to his flock was unwavering—he returned to stand with them in their time of trial.'
These arrests are unfolding against a tense backdrop of U.S.-China relations, especially with ongoing trade disputes. Just last Friday, former President Trump floated the idea of imposing a staggering 100% tariff on Chinese goods, escalating economic pressures that might be influencing Beijing's domestic policies. Long suggests this rapid expansion of Zion Church, combined with international frictions, has painted it as a perceived danger in the eyes of authorities who prioritize tight control over society.
Yet, the church insists it's far from a subversive entity. 'We're not outlaws; we're simply followers of Christ,' Long emphasized. 'We don't oppose the Communist Party or harbor anti-China sentiments. Our hearts are for our fellow citizens, our shared culture, and our heritage. Labeling us as a Western political tool is completely misguided. As a homegrown Chinese church, we uphold the timeless truths of Christianity and follow Jesus alone. None of this ties into the U.S.-China rivalry.' And this is the part most people miss: could the government's suspicion stem more from fear of uncontrolled growth than any real political agenda, or is it a deliberate strategy to homogenize faith under state oversight?
From across the ocean, American leaders have voiced strong condemnation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded the immediate liberation of the detained pastors, stating, 'This latest suppression underscores the Chinese Communist Party's antagonism toward Christians who resist meddling in their worship and prefer independent house churches. We urge the CCP to free these leaders without delay and guarantee that all believers, including those in unregistered groups, can practice their religion free from reprisal.'
For Zion Church's members, this is a moment of deep unease and disruption, as Long described. Fear is palpable among the congregation, but their resolve remains unbroken. 'We'll keep holding our online services and continue our mission undeterred,' he affirmed. 'No matter the obstacles, we'll proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.'
As we wrap up this story, it's worth pondering: In a world where faith and state power collide, how far should governments go to regulate religion? Do these crackdowns safeguard a nation, or do they stifle the very freedoms that make societies vibrant? I'd love to hear your thoughts—do you see this as justified security or outright oppression? Share in the comments below and let's spark a meaningful discussion.
