Chinese Pastor’s Daughter Advocates for Religious Freedom

Grace Ginn Drexel, whose father, Pastor Ezra Zinn, is currently imprisoned, spoke to Breitbart News recently about her efforts to secure his release alongside 17 members of the Zion Church in China. This comes in the wake of a sweeping new law aimed at increasing governmental control over religious practices that was enacted back in October.

Zion Church, an unregistered Christian congregation, has notably embraced virtual services to connect its members. Despite persistent crackdowns from the Communist Party, it has become one of the largest Christian churches in China. Drexel explained that her father and the other church members just want the freedom to practice their faith without government interference. “We’re not political at all. What we want,” she said, “is to affirm that our church, this church, is God’s.” This declaration, she noted, is seen as intolerable by Chinese authorities.

Currently, China is considered one of the most perilous places for the 160 million Christians who reside there. The ruling Communist Party recognizes only five religions, and its control extends into the operations of religious institutions, turning many into tools for propaganda. “Christian” churches are often used to promote the party rather than facilitate genuine worship. Moreover, children are prohibited from practicing any religion, and just in 2018, extensive legislation was passed to tighten control over religious discussions online, impacting churches like Zion.

Drexel pointed out that her father’s church has been charged with “illegal use of online information.” Originally part of an urban church movement in Beijing, Zion was forced online following government shutdowns in 2018. The church adapted by offering a hybrid model of online and offline gatherings, which, interestingly, allowed it to grow significantly during the pandemic.

“That’s why they’re targeting Zion Church for offering online services,” Drexel noted. “Instead of being crushed, we thrived.” She speculated that the charges might escalate, suggesting that the Communist Party could impose more severe penalties rather than just the initial claim that carries a maximum three-year sentence.

Describing her situation as a “miracle,” Drexel mentioned that international sources have relayed government denials about the imprisonment of her father’s defense team. She highlighted the dire conditions in detention centers for Christians, stating, “They’re sleeping on the floor…they might have a mat.” Furthermore, the party prohibits any contact with family members, even denying necessary medications to inmates.

Drexel’s father suffers from type 2 diabetes and needs medication that family members have been unable to deliver due to government restrictions. “I don’t know what his health status is,” she said, adding that he is likely under significant stress from late-night interrogations.

Her call for the unconditional release of her father and fellow Christians reflects a broader plea for the protection of basic rights. “What kind of sermon you preach, what music you sing… all of that is not determined by the church, but by the party,” she explained, emphasizing the clash between personal belief and governmental control.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak out, Drexel concluded, “If China thinks it can continue these violations of universal values, especially religious freedom, it will keep bullying on the international stage.” The struggle for religious freedom in China appears far from over, and her story highlights the human cost of such repression.