Founder of one of China’s biggest underground churches freed, reunites with family in US

Founder of One of China’s Largest Underground Churches Reunites with Family in the United States

Founder of one of China s biggest – Recent news has brought relief to the family of Ezra Jin, a prominent figure in China’s religious underground movement. His daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, confirmed to CNN that Jin, the founder of the Zion Church, has been released from prison and is now back with his family in the United States. This development follows months of diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration, which reportedly intervened on Jin’s behalf during a high-profile visit to Beijing in May.

A Grassroots Church Under Threat

Zion Church, established in Beijing in 2007, has long been a symbol of resistance against China’s strict control over religious activities. Despite the legality of religious practice, the government maintains a tight grip on faith groups, often registering only state-sanctioned churches as “official” entities. Unregistered congregations, like Jin’s, are frequently targeted during large-scale operations aimed at curbing perceived foreign influence and consolidating political authority.

Jin’s arrest in late 2025 was part of a broader crackdown that saw dozens of church members detained. Chinese authorities have historically viewed Christianity as a potential challenge to their ideological dominance, particularly when it operates outside state-approved frameworks. This has led to years of surveillance, restrictions, and punitive measures against underground religious groups. The Zion Church, known for its community outreach and spiritual resilience, became a focal point during this intensified campaign.

Diplomatic Intervention and Family Reunion

The Trump administration’s involvement in Jin’s case marks a significant moment in U.S.-China relations. During his May visit to Beijing, President Donald Trump reportedly raised Jin’s situation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, prompting the release of the pastor. Grace Jin Drexel shared the family’s emotional relief, stating in a statement to CNN: “We are feeling so overwhelmed with joy. We thank God for this tremendous miracle.” She also credited the U.S. government, adding, “We also thank President Trump and his administration for their tremendous leadership. This could not have happened without the direct intervention from Chairman Xi Jinping.”

While Jin’s return to the U.S. is a victory, his daughter emphasized the broader implications. “We hope this marks a positive turn for people of faith in China and strengthens relations between our two nations,” she said. The family’s hope extends beyond personal relief, aiming to signal a shift in how religious freedom is perceived and protected within China.

Jin’s journey began in 2007 when he established Zion Church in Beijing. However, as government pressure on unregistered congregations escalated in 2018, he and his family opted to relocate to the United States. The move was intended to ease tensions with Chinese authorities, who continued to monitor and harass members of the church even after their departure. Jin’s return to China in 2025 was a strategic decision to stay close to the church’s operations, but it also led to his detention and a ban on leaving the country.

Grace Jin Drexel had previously reported losing contact with her father in October 2025, prompting urgent calls for his release. Her advocacy, alongside her work as a U.S. Senate staffer, highlighted the intersection of personal and political struggles. The Trump administration’s response to her appeals ultimately led to Jin’s freedom, though the process underscored the complexity of navigating diplomatic channels to secure religious prisoners.

Reactions from Human Rights Organizations

Human rights groups welcomed Jin’s release as a milestone but stressed the need for continued action. Brian Tronic, director of Freedom House’s Free Them All: The Fred Hiatt Program, noted, “While his release will bring much-needed comfort to his family, friends, and many supporters, we cannot forget the leaders and members of Zion Church who remain detained, and others associated with the church who still face serious criminal charges.” Tronic’s comments reflect a common sentiment among advocates: the focus on Jin’s case should not overshadow the ongoing plight of fellow believers.

Rev. Dr. Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, an organization dedicated to promoting religious freedom, called Jin’s return “a tremendous victory.” However, he acknowledged that the battle for faith-based prisoners is far from over. “We respectfully call on President Trump and his Administration to continue making religious freedom and the release of all prisoners of faith a top priority in every engagement with Beijing,” Fu said. His remarks highlight the role of international diplomacy in addressing domestic human rights issues.

The release of Ezra Jin is seen as a potential catalyst for change in China’s approach to religious persecution. While the government has allowed his return, critics argue that the broader system remains rigid. The Zion Church, with its deep roots in Beijing, has become a case study in the challenges faced by underground religious groups. Its members, often operating in secrecy, face risks such as imprisonment, fines, and forced assimilation into state-sanctioned institutions.

CNN has reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the White House, and the U.S. State Department for further clarification on Jin’s case and its implications. The discussions may shed light on the extent of diplomatic influence in shaping China’s policies toward religious freedom. For Jin’s family, the reunion symbolizes both personal triumph and a hopeful step toward broader reforms.

As the Trump administration reflects on its role in Jin’s release, the focus remains on the balance between human rights and geopolitical strategy. While the pastor’s case has gained international attention, the ongoing struggle for religious autonomy in China continues. Advocacy groups and families of detained believers are urging sustained pressure to ensure that this victory is part of a larger movement toward freedom of worship.