Hostage taking panel, detention of Chinese pastor.

1/ The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) strongly condemns the Chinese government’s detention of Pastor Mingri “Ezra” Jin, founder of one of the largest known underground church networks in China, and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

2/ On the evening of Oct. 10, police detained Pastor Jin of Zion Church while in his residence in Beihai, Guangxi province. Authorities reportedly arrested, detained, or disappeared about 30 other Zion Church leaders across the country.

3/ The latest clampdown on Pastor Jin and leading figures of Zion Church marks the Chinese government’s most recent coordinated nationwide crackdown against an unregistered church in 40 years.

4/ “China’s persecution of Zion Church is a clear indicator of the CCP’s blatant disregard for freedom of religion,” said Pastor Jin’s daughter, Grace Jin. “My father has inspired hundreds and I hope to be reunited with him swiftly.”

5/ HRF stands in solidarity with the Jin family and calls for the immediate release of all detained leaders of Zion Church.