Pastor Ezra Jin Reunites With Family After China Release
According to CNN, a prominent Chinese house church leader has regained his freedom after months in detention and has reunited with his family in the United States, marking a significant development for advocates of religious freedom in China.
Ezra Jin, founder of Beijing’s Zion Church, was released from prison after Chinese authorities detained him during a broader crackdown on underground Christian congregations late last year. CNN reported that his daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, confirmed the news and described the family’s reunion as an answer to prayer.
He established Zion Church in 2007, building it into one of China’s best-known unregistered Christian fellowships. He later relocated to the United States with his family in 2018 as pressure on independent churches intensified. Even so, he returned to China to support members of his congregation while authorities continued their campaign against unregistered churches. He later became unable to leave the country.
Grace Jin Drexel told CNN that the family was overwhelmed with gratitude following his release. She credited the intervention of US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping for making it possible.
“We are feeling so overwhelmed with joy. We thank God for this tremendous miracle.” She also said:
“We also thank President Trump and his administration for their tremendous leadership.”
According to her, the family believes the development could mark a positive turning point for Christians in China and improve relations between both nations.
CNN reported that President Trump raised Jin’s case during a visit to Beijing in May, where he discussed it with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The report added that CNN contacted China’s Foreign Ministry, the White House and the US State Department for official comments.
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Before his release, Grace Jin Drexel had publicly appealed to the US government for help after the family lost contact with him in October last year. She had urged American officials to intervene on behalf of her father.
Human rights organisations welcomed his freedom but stressed that many other Christians remain behind bars. Brian Tronic, Director of Freedom House’s Free Them All: The Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners, said Jin’s release would comfort his family and supporters, but insisted that attention must remain on other detained members of Zion Church who still face criminal charges.
Rev. Dr. Bob Fu, President of China Aid, also praised the outcome. He described the release as “a tremendous victory” while urging the Trump administration to keep religious freedom at the centre of future engagements with Beijing. He said the work would not be complete until every prisoner detained because of their faith regains freedom.
China permits religious worship under strict government supervision. However, authorities continue to monitor and regulate officially recognised churches, while many independent congregations face increasing restrictions. Jin’s release has therefore renewed global conversations about religious liberty and the treatment of underground Christian communities in the country, according to CNN.
source: CNN News
Content Credit: CNN NEWS
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