The United States has called on China to immediately release 30 leaders of one of its largest underground Christian networks, including Zion Church founder Jin Mingri. The arrests reportedly occurred in overnight raids across multiple cities, marking what human rights group ChinaAid describes as the most extensive crackdown on Christianity in decades.
Jin Mingri, who was detained early Saturday after a police search of his home, has long been a prominent figure in China’s unregistered house church movement. The Chinese Communist Party, which promotes atheism, requires citizens to attend only state-sanctioned churches led by government-approved pastors.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the arrests, calling them evidence of the CCP’s “hostility toward Christians who reject Party interference in their faith.” Former officials Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo also denounced the detentions.
China’s foreign ministry defended its actions, stating that it governs religion “in accordance with the law” and opposes foreign interference.
Founded in 2007, Zion Church has grown to over 10,000 members nationwide. Despite previous bans and government harassment, the church continued to meet discreetly and share sermons online. Observers warn the latest wave of arrests could further strain US-China relations already tense over trade and diplomatic issues.
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