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

Founder of One of China’s Biggest Underground Churches Freed, Reunites with Family in the U.S.

Release of China’s Underground Church Leader Sparks Hope

Founder of one of China s biggest – The founder of one of China’s biggest underground churches, Ezra Jin, has been released after years of imprisonment, according to his daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, who informed CNN of the news. This event marks a pivotal moment for religious freedom advocates, as Jin’s case had been highlighted by the Trump administration during a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May. His freedom is seen as a potential shift in the government’s approach to religious dissent, though experts caution that broader reforms may still be pending.

“We are overjoyed and grateful for this miracle,” Grace Jin Drexel said in a statement to CNN. “President Trump’s leadership and direct engagement with Chairman Xi Jinping were critical in securing Ezra’s release. This is a sign of progress for those persecuted for their faith in China.”

Jin, who established the Zion Church in 2007, had become a symbol of resistance against China’s strict religious regulations. The church, along with many others, operated in secrecy to avoid government scrutiny. His release follows a period of intense crackdowns on unregistered religious groups, which began in late 2018 and led to the arrest of hundreds of members. Despite the pressure, Jin’s congregation continued to thrive, relying on covert networks to sustain their activities.

A Family’s Journey from Imprisonment to Reunion

Jin’s family had moved to the United States in 2018 to escape the growing pressure on the church. However, he was compelled to return to China in 2019 as authorities intensified their efforts to root out dissenting religious groups. Grace Jin Drexel noted that contact with her father was lost in October of the previous year, prompting her to seek intervention from the Trump administration. His return to the U.S. has been a long-awaited relief for the family and his supporters.

“This is a positive step for religious freedom in China,” said Brian Tronic, director of Freedom House’s Free Them All program. “Ezra’s release shows that international pressure can make a difference, but many others still face imprisonment for their beliefs.” Tronic emphasized the need for sustained advocacy, as the fight for religious liberty continues across the country. Jin’s story underscores the role of diplomacy in easing tensions between faith groups and the government.

Grace Jin Drexel, who works as a Senate staffer, expressed gratitude for the political will demonstrated by Trump. “Ezra’s return is a beacon of hope,” she added. “But we must not forget the thousands still imprisoned for their faith.” The emotional significance of his freedom is clear, yet it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by underground churches in China, where religious expression remains tightly controlled.

China’s Crackdown and Its Impact on Religious Communities

China’s government has long viewed Christianity as a challenge to its authority, often labeling unregistered groups as threats to national unity. While religious practice is allowed, it is closely monitored, with only state-sanctioned churches permitted to operate openly. Ezra Jin’s case exemplifies how this policy targets individuals who lead congregations outside the official framework. His imprisonment was part of a broader campaign that disrupted the activities of countless believers.

Rev. Dr. Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, hailed Jin’s release as a “tremendous victory” but urged continued vigilance. “This is a step forward, but the fight for religious freedom is far from over,” Fu stated. He called on the Trump administration to prioritize the release of all prisoners of faith in future interactions with Beijing. The Zion Church’s resilience in the face of repression underscores the strength of its community and the importance of its leader’s return.

The founder of one of China’s biggest underground churches now finds himself in a new chapter, having reunited with his family in the U.S. While his release is a personal triumph, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts in addressing systemic issues. Religious leaders and human rights advocates await further developments, hoping this moment will inspire broader change and protect the rights of other faith-based groups in China.