China Intensifies Crackdown on ‘Underground’ church Network, Detaining Pastor and Congregants
BEIJING – Chinese authorities have detained the pastor and members of Zion church, a rapidly growing network of unregistered protestant congregations across China, signaling a renewed escalation in the governmentS suppression of religious groups operating outside state control. The crackdown, which began in recent months, has forced the church to shift operations largely online while raising concerns about the future of religious freedom in the country.
The arrests center around jin Mingri, the founder of Zion Church, and numerous congregants. While the exact number of those detained remains unclear, the move reflects a broader trend of increasing restrictions on religious practice in China, particularly targeting groups deemed a threat to state authority. The crackdown comes despite the church’s notable growth - boasting approximately 100 branches in 40 cities and over 10,000 followers – and highlights the risks faced by those who practice faith outside of officially sanctioned institutions.
Jin Mingri’s commitment to faith was profoundly shaped by the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, despite not being present at the event. “It was a very important moment. Throughout his life, he believe[d] in the country,” said Jin Drexel, a member of the church. “[Namun] when that belief is betrayed, his entire outlook collapses. It was a big moment in his faith journey.” This disillusionment led him to establish an self-reliant church after becoming dissatisfied with the doctrine of the state-controlled Three-Self Church, which prioritizes loyalty to the government. “He can’t be a pastor becuase it’s not a church that pleases God. You can’t serve two masters,” Drexel explained.
Founded in 2007 after Jin Mingri studied at a seminary in California with his family, Zion Church initially operated as a small house gathering of around 20 people in Beijing. It grew steadily, eventually holding services in a large hall within an office building. Though, this increased visibility attracted scrutiny from authorities. In 2018, officials requested the installation of CCTV cameras within the church building, a demand the congregation refused.
Following the refusal, church leaders reported facing increasing harassment, culminating in the church’s closure. The government subsequently imposed an overseas travel ban on jin Mingri and placed him under strict surveillance.His family and several church members, including Sean Long, were able to flee to the United States.
Zion Church has since transitioned to a hybrid model, utilizing large online services alongside smaller, private in-person gatherings. Despite the ongoing persecution and the uncertain fate of those detained, Sean Long remains optimistic. ”Persecution cannot destroy the church,” he stated. “if we look at history,where there is oppression,there is also an awakening.”