In the early hours of October 10, 2025, the hidden struggle between faith and authoritarianism in China reached a devastating milestone. Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri - the founder of Zion Church, one of Beijing’s largest unregistered Christian congregations - was taken into custody amid a sweeping nationwide crackdown that targeted over 30 leaders and members of underground churches. For his daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, living thousands of miles away in the United States, the news was the onset of a nightmare felt deeply and personally.

A Daughter's Vigil: Holding On in the Face of Silence

Grace’s anxiety was palpable as calls went unanswered and messages became echoes in the void. Raised with a commitment to faith and a fierce love for her father, she now faces an agonizing wait, hopeful that diplomatic overtures at the highest levels - namely between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping - might coax his release.

Her story is emblematic of the human toll behind China’s efforts to control spirituality. She recounts the pride and faith underpinning her father’s decision to remain in China to shepherd Zion’s growing flock - a group that transitioned from hushed house meetings to a veritable spiritual community spanning thousands, even during pandemic lockdowns.
“I want the world to know he did not leave because he feared persecution,” Grace says in a rare interview. “He stayed because the people needed him. The fight is not just for Zion Church but for the freedom to believe.”

The Historical Context: China’s Renewed Religious Clampdown

China’s fraught relationship with religion is steeped in decades of ideological control. Since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, spiritual institutions have been seen as potential rivals to Communist Party authority. 

The state recognizes only five religions under strict regulatory frameworks, carefully monitored by government bodies.

Yet, underground churches like Zion have flourished quietly, sustained by millions seeking solace beyond official doctrines and political oversight. Their growing popularity poses a thorny challenge to Beijing’s vision of a homogenized social fabric.

President Xi Jinping’s tenure has intensified these pressures. The policy of "Sinicizing" religion - a campaign to bend faith to socialist values - has led to sweeping regulations, increased surveillance, and systematic curtailment of freedoms long held sacred by believers.

The Arrests and Aftermath: Voices from the Inside

Amid the October crackdown, detained pastors and members have faced dire conditions. Reports from human rights organizations reveal overcrowded detention centers, inadequate medical care, and relentless interrogations.

Yet, in a remarkable display of resilience, some detainees have managed to send messages to the outside world. One pastor, held alongside Ezra Jin, spoke of an unbroken spirit, finding strength in scripture and the solidarity of comrades.

Meanwhile, Grace and other family members have launched advocacy campaigns, rallying global attention through congressional letters, media interviews, and faith networks. Their call: for international pressure to ensure humane treatment and prompt release.

The Global Stage: Diplomacy, Trade, and Human Rights

The intersection of religious repression and geopolitical maneuvering is stark. While economic ties between China and the West remain indispensable, the plight of religious minorities injects uncomfortable moral questions into summits and negotiations.
Diplomatic actors walk a precarious line - balancing strategic interests with calls for justice. The upcoming meetings between Trump and Xi are moments fraught with possibility and peril, where decisions could reverberate far beyond trade tariffs.

The Soul of Resistance: Faith in the Face of Oppression

Zion Church’s story is not singular but a chapter in an ongoing saga of spiritual resistance in authoritarian contexts worldwide. Its members’ unwavering commitment to worship, community service, and social outreach amidst repression embodies the enduring human quest for meaning and dignity.

Online services and virtual gatherings have expanded their reach during the pandemic, blending technology and tradition in new forms of fellowship. But the yearning for tangible connection - a clasped hand, a united voice - is palpable, underscoring the fragility of these religious communities.

What It Means for the Future: Between Hope and Uncertainty

The road ahead remains uncertain. China’s judicial system boasts near-certain conviction rates, and the scale of repression shows no sign of abating. Yet, voices like Ezra Jin Mingri’s and his congregation’s defiance kindle a beacon for global human rights advocates and believers alike.
Grace’s final words are a plea for understanding and solidarity: “This is not about politics alone. It’s about the right to believe, to gather, and to serve. It’s about the soul of a people and the conscience of a world.”