Founder of one of China’s biggest underground churches freed, reunites with family in US
Founder of One of China’s Largest Underground Churches Freed, Reunites with Family in U.S.
Founder of one of China s biggest – In a moment of relief for his family and followers, Ezra Jin, the founder of one of China’s most influential underground churches, has been released from detention and reunited with his loved ones in the United States, his daughter shared with CNN. Jin, who established Zion Church in Beijing, faced years of persecution under a government policy that views religious practices outside state control as a challenge to its authority. His case gained international attention after U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted it during his visit to Beijing in May, prompting a response from Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The Crackdown on Unregistered Churches
China’s approach to religious freedom has long involved a strict system of oversight, where the state registers and regulates official churches while cracking down on unregistered ones. This policy, often justified as a means to maintain social stability, has led to the arrest of numerous religious leaders and members of house churches, which operate outside the government’s framework. Jin’s arrest was part of a broader operation that targeted hundreds of individuals in late 2025, accusing them of spreading “illegal” beliefs and undermining national unity. The government has consistently portrayed Christianity as a foreign ideology, emphasizing its role in fostering dissent against state control.
Since 2018, the pressure on unregistered churches has intensified, forcing many to relocate or face imprisonment. Jin’s family, who had initially moved to the U.S., stayed behind while he returned to China to continue his ministry. Despite his efforts, he was detained again in October 2025, severing communication with his daughter and sparking urgent calls for his release. The family’s hope for a resolution was reignited when the Trump administration intervened, leveraging diplomatic channels to address the case.
Grace Jin Drexel’s Gratitude and Expectations
“We are filled with joy and gratitude. God has granted this miracle, and we are deeply thankful for the support of President Trump and his team,” said Grace Jin Drexel, a U.S. Senate staffer and daughter of Ezra Jin. She expressed the belief that Jin’s release was a direct result of Xi Jinping’s decision to grant him freedom, marking a potential shift in the treatment of religious figures within China. Drexel also emphasized the broader implications of the event, hoping it would signal a new era of cooperation between the U.S. and China in protecting religious freedom.
The family’s statement highlights the emotional weight of Jin’s return, as well as the strategic significance of his case. His daughter, who has been actively advocating for his release, believes the move could set a precedent for other detained church members. While the immediate focus is on Jin’s freedom, the family remains concerned about the ongoing detention of others associated with the Zion Church. “This moment is a victory, but it also reminds us that many more people are still waiting for their chance,” Drexel noted.
China’s religious landscape has been shaped by a combination of state regulation and ideological control. Official churches operate under government supervision, receiving funding and resources while being required to align with national interests. In contrast, underground churches like Zion Church are often viewed as a threat, accused of harboring subversive ideas and resisting state influence. Jin’s release may be seen as a partial concession, but it also underscores the complex relationship between the U.S. and China in the realm of religious liberty.
Human Rights Advocacy and Ongoing Concerns
Human rights organizations have welcomed Jin’s return but stressed that the case is far from resolved. Brian Tronic, director of Freedom House’s Free Them All initiative, which focuses on freeing political prisoners, noted that while Jin’s release brings hope, it does not erase the broader challenges faced by China’s religious community. “His freedom is a significant step, but we must not forget the many others still in custody, including leaders and members of Zion Church who remain under investigation,” Tronic said in a statement to CNN.
Rev. Dr. Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, an organization dedicated to promoting religious freedom, described Jin’s release as “a major victory for believers in China.” However, he urged the Trump administration to maintain its focus on securing the release of all religious prisoners. “This achievement is a result of sustained efforts, but our work is not complete,” Fu emphasized. “Until every person of faith is free, we must continue pushing for change.”
The U.S. government’s involvement in Jin’s case reflects its growing role in advocating for religious rights abroad. By raising the issue with Chinese officials, Trump demonstrated a willingness to prioritize the cause, even as tensions between the two nations persist. The White House and the State Department have since been contacted by CNN to comment on the development, with officials expected to assess its impact on bilateral relations.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Jin’s journey began in 2007, when he founded Zion Church in Beijing as a response to the rigid religious regulations imposed by the state. Over the years, the church grew to become a symbol of resistance, drawing members who sought a more flexible and heartfelt form of worship. The government’s crackdown in 2018, however, forced Jin and his family to seek refuge in the U.S., where they hoped to escape the pressures of state surveillance and ideological control.
Despite his relocation, Jin remained committed to his mission, choosing to return to China in 2025 to support his congregation. His decision was met with renewed harassment, leading to his arrest and a period of uncertainty for his family. Grace Jin Drexel, who has been advocating for her father’s release, credited the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts for the breakthrough. “Without the intervention of the U.S. government, we might not have seen this outcome,” she said.
The release of Ezra Jin has sparked discussions about the potential for a more lenient approach to religious freedom in China. While some view it as a sign of progress, others caution that the government may use it as a model to ease pressure on other detainees without fully reforming its policies. “This is a positive signal, but it’s important to remember that the system is still in place,” Tronic added. “We need to ensure that this momentum continues.”
As Jin reunites with his family, the focus now shifts to sustaining the momentum of his case and expanding support to other persecuted believers. The international community, including religious groups and human rights advocates, will be closely monitoring how this development influences China’s treatment of its religious minorities. For now, the Jin family and their supporters see this as a hard-earned triumph, but they remain hopeful that it will pave the way for further reforms.