The recent detention of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri of Beijing’s prominent Zion Church signals a severe escalation in China’s campaign against unregistered religious groups. This guide delves into the specifics of the crackdown, China’s broader “Sinicization” policy, the unexpected growth of Zion Church during the pandemic, and the unwavering commitment of its leadership, offering essential context for understanding religious freedom in China.
In a significant move against independent religious worship in China, Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri of the Zion Church has been detained. This event, confirmed by his daughter, a fellow church pastor, and a religious monitoring group, underscores the ongoing pressures faced by unregistered congregations across the nation.
Pastor Jin, who leads one of the country’s largest underground Christian churches, was taken into custody from his home in Beihai, located in China’s southeast Guangxi province, on a recent Friday evening. The crackdown was widespread, affecting dozens of other church leaders in Beijing and at least five additional provinces across China.
The Immediate Crackdown: What Happened?
The detained leaders may face charges of “illegal dissemination of religious content via the internet,” according to Sean Long, a Chinese Zion Church pastor currently studying in the United States. Long described the situation as “a very disturbing and distressing moment” and a “brutal violation of freedom of religion” guaranteed by the Chinese constitution.
News of the arrests spread rapidly among church leaders within China through online group chats, where photos and videos of police entering church spaces were shared. This digital dissemination, ironically, now forms the basis of potential charges.
The Zion Church is categorized as an “underground” or “house” church because it remains unregistered with Chinese authorities. These churches intentionally defy government restrictions that mandate worship only within officially registered congregations. Beijing’s foreign ministry, public security, religious affairs department, and Beihai police have not yet commented on the arrests.
The “Sinicization” Agenda: Why is China Cracking Down?
Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, Chinese authorities have significantly intensified their crackdown on independent Christian congregations over the past decade. This has involved the destruction of crosses, burning of Bibles, shuttering of churches, and coercive measures forcing followers to renounce their faith. As reported by the Associated Press, this policy is part of a broader effort to “Sinicize” religion.
The “Sinicization” initiative demands absolute loyalty to the officially atheist Communist Party, aiming to eliminate any religious challenge to the Party’s supreme authority over people’s lives. This means religious practices must conform to the Party’s directives and cultural norms, rather than operating independently.
Zion Church’s Rise and Resilience
Grace Jin, Pastor Jin’s daughter who resides in the United States, speculates that the recent crackdown may stem from Zion Church’s burgeoning influence and its perceived challenge to Communist Party rule. “Zion blew up after COVID, so that irked the government,” she noted.
Many underground churches faced intense pressure during a nationwide crackdown in 2018, which saw Zion Church’s main sanctuary shut down, as detailed by the Associated Press. However, the unexpected happened during the coronavirus pandemic.
Government-sanctioned churches frequently closed their doors due to pandemic restrictions, leading many believers to seek worship elsewhere. Zion Church capitalized on this by holding online prayer sessions, which led to a dramatic increase in its membership. Pastor Sean Long states that the church grew from approximately 1,500 members in 2018 to an estimated 5,000 or more today. This expansion also saw the establishment of over 100 worship sites in various unconventional locations such as apartments, restaurants, and even karaoke bars across about 40 Chinese cities.
Broader Implications: A Coordinated Wave of Persecution
The pressure on independent churches extends beyond Zion. In recent months, other underground congregations have also faced severe crackdowns:
- In May, the pastor of Light of Zion Church in Xi’an, eastern China, was detained.
- In June, ten members of the Golden Lampstand Church in Shanxi province received prison sentences, four years after their initial arrest.
Bob Fu, founder of the U.S.-based religious group China Aid, emphasized the severity of the current situation. He stated, “We are witnessing the most extensive and co-ordinated wave of persecution against urban independent house churches in China in over four decades.”
Pastor Jin’s Unwavering Commitment
Grace Jin shared that her father, Pastor Jin, had brought his family to the United States after authorities first targeted Zion Church in 2018. Despite the palpable risks, he made the difficult decision to return to China.
Grace revealed she has not seen her father in six years, a testament to his dedication. She quoted him saying, “He felt that as a pastor he had to be with the flock.” This profound sense of responsibility meant he “had always been prepared for something like this,” highlighting the deep conviction driving religious leaders in China’s underground churches.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Independent Worship in China
The detention of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and other leaders is a stark reminder of the precarious position of independent religious communities in China. As the government continues to enforce its “Sinicization” policies, the resilience and growth of churches like Zion highlight a persistent desire for autonomous worship.
The international community will undoubtedly watch closely, but the immediate future for these pastors and their congregations remains uncertain. Their courage in the face of escalating persecution serves as a powerful symbol of faith and defiance in contemporary China.
