After nearly nine months in detention, Pastor Jin Mingri of Zion Church has been released. On July 3rd, he flew to the United States to be united with his family, who live there. Open Doors is deeply grateful to the Lord God for his release, an answer to the countless prayers of believers in China and around the world. However, this does not mean that the situation surrounding Zion Church has been resolved. We must continue to pray.
“In recent years, the authorities have intensified their crackdown on house churches across the country.”
Wave of arrests
Nearly thirty pastors and church leaders from Zion Church, one of China’s largest house church networks, were arrested between 9th and 11th October 2025 in various regions across China. Sixteen people were released after just a few days, whilst the fate of the others remains uncertain.
Among those arrested was the founder of Zion Church, Pastor Jin Mingri. In 2018, he moved to the United States due to pressure on the church, but when he later returned, he was no longer allowed to leave China. He has now been released after 266 days in detention and was able to return to his family.
At present, eight other ministers and staff members of Zion Church remain in detention. Since 18th June, the charges against them have been amended. The original charge of “illegal use of information networks” was changed to “illegal business activities” and “fraud”. Although no legal basis for the amended charges has yet been disclosed, observers believe these charges are more serious, as a conviction could result in considerably harsher sentences.
Spiritual warfare
In addition to Zion Church, many other churches and Christians in China continue to face persecution because of their faith. The spiritual battle continues. Caleb*, a researcher who supports persecuted Christians, explains: “In recent years, the authorities have intensified their crackdown on house churches across the country. These churches are not registered and are therefore officially regarded as illegal.”
“Beyond the well-known cases of Early Rain Covenant Church, Zion Church, and Yayang Church, countless other churches face varying degrees of repression. Some believers endure it in silence, while others lack the means to seek support. Some are convicted and imprisoned, and others feel forced to go into hiding. They are isolated from society and remain invisible for the outside world.””
“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”
Jason*, a local Open Doors partner working in Eastern China, speaks of the mounting pressure: “Recently, a house church in my area was raided during a Sunday service. The leader was fined several thousand euros and detained for seven days on charges of organising illegal gatherings.”
“In another house church, two Sunday school teachers were dragged from their homes by the police on charges of sharing the Gospel with minors. One was released the very same day, whilst the other was detained for five days. On the same day, several Christian university lecturers were also suddenly taken from their homes for questioning.”
The power of prayer
Through God’s power, prayer reaches places that people cannot reach on their own. Hebrews 13:3 reminds us:“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” Open Doors calls on Christians to pray continually and persistently, and to stand with the churches and Christians in China during this time of need.
China ranks 17th on the World Watch List.
Will you pray with us?
- Pray for the eight pastors and staff members of Zion Church who are still being detained. Ask the Lord God to protect their health, strengthen their faith, and allow them to be released soon so that they can be reunited with their families. Also pray for their families, and ask the Lord to comfort them and provide for their needs.
- Pray for the house churches in China. Ask for courage and strength for His Church in China, so that they may continue to serve Him with unity and steadfastness in the Truth.
- Pray for other brothers and sisters who are imprisoned or detained because they serve the Lord God. Many of them remain unknown to the outside world. Pray for their health, their faith, and for comfort for their families.
- Pray for the ongoing spiritual battle surrounding the Gospel. Pray that God’s Kingdom may come, that His will be done, and that He may gain more followers who steadfastly proclaim Christ in China.
(* Pseudonyms)
