In brief
In a recent crackdown, Chinese authorities detained around 30 leaders of the underground Zion Church, prompting urgent calls from the US government for their immediate release. The church's founder, Jin Mingri, is among those detained. US officials have condemned the arrests, stating that they reflect the Chinese Communist Party's hostility towards unofficial religious practices. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious freedom and could impact US-China relations.
The US has called for the release of 30 leaders of one of China's largest underground church networks who were reportedly detained over the weekend in overnight raids across various cities. This list includes several pastors and the Zion Church's founder, Jin Mingri, who was arrested after multiple officers raided his home. The Chinese Communist Party, known for promoting atheism and tightly controlling religious practices, is being criticized for what is seen as one of the most extensive crackdowns on Christianity in decades. Reports indicate that Christians are under pressure to join only state-sanctioned churches that follow government mandates, making it challenging for groups like the Zion Church to operate freely. While the formal charges against the detainees remain unclear, the Zion Church declared that this systematic persecution challenges not only the church but also the international community. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the crackdown, asserting that it illustrated the CCP's hostility towards Christians who refuse to allow government interference in their faith. The reactions from former US officials, including statements from Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo, echoed similar sentiments. When the Chinese Foreign Ministry was asked about the arrests, spokesperson Lin Jian claimed to be unaware of the case and insisted that the government manages religious affairs legally, supporting citizens' religious freedoms. However, under Xi Jinping's administration, the country has increased restrictions on religious liberties. The roundup of believers is alarming and reminiscent of the darkest days during the 1980s, marking an unprecedented effort against Christians in four decades, according to ChinaAid. Many house churches, including those affiliated with Zion, continue to call for the release of those detained. Jin's wife, Liu Chunli, expressed her anguish, stating that her family's hopes for a reunion have been dashed. Despite ongoing repression, the church, founded in 2007 and now encompassing around 10,000 members, insists on gathering and sharing their faith clandestinely.
