Pastor Ezra Jin Mingli Faces Repression in China
Pastor Ezra Jin Mingli, who established the Beijing Zion Church, is experiencing heightened repression from Chinese authorities. Since its inception in 2007, Zion Church has grown into a significant network of house churches, but recent arrests have instilled fear among Christians in China. With more than 10,000 followers in around 40 cities, the government’s crackdown seems linked to the church’s rapid expansion.
Reports indicate that over ten police officers raided Mingli’s home in Beihai, Guangxi province, on a Friday, searching the premises and taking him away in handcuffs. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as several house church leaders across China have been arrested recently, with similar actions reported in six different cities.
The intimidation began in August 2018 when Mingli declined to install security cameras in the church’s sanctuary, a decision that led to a temporary shutdown of the church. Now, the situation has escalated significantly. As one of the most recognizable unregistered pastors in the country, Mingli’s detention has drawn calls from U.S. officials and global Christian organizations for his immediate release.
They have urged the Chinese Communist Party to free the detained leaders and allow all believers, including those in house churches, to engage in religious activities without fear. Mingli’s refusal to register with the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement may lead to jail time. The situation reflects a broader surveillance effort by Chinese authorities, who perceive unregistered churches as potential threats to social stability.
Since 2018, the Communist Party has tightened its grip on religious practices, mandating loyalty to the party from churches. Bob Fu, the founder of the China Aid Association, characterized Mingli’s detention as the “largest and most systematic wave of persecution” against underground churches in over 40 years.
Amid this turmoil, the U.S. State Department has appealed for Mingli’s release, but many Christian groups worry this wave of persecution against house churches is only the start. As Christians, it is vital to pray for the persecuted church, even if we aren’t facing such trials ourselves.
As stated in Hebrews 13:3, “Please continue to remember those who are in prison, as if you were with them.” It’s a poignant reminder to keep Pastor Jin and his family in our thoughts, advocating for religious freedom in China and worldwide. Remember those suffering persecution and take whatever stand you can.
