30 leaders of China's largest underground church network were detained in overnight raids across several cities. The US has called for their release. Those arrested include Zion Church founder Jin Mingri. ChinaAid, a US-based non-profit, says this is the most extensive crackdown against Christians in decades. China's government tightly controls religion and promotes atheism. Christians are pressured to join state-approved churches. The Chinese foreign ministry says it protects religious freedom and opposes US interference. This incident may further strain US-China relations. Under President Xi Jinping, Beijing has increased restrictions on religious freedom. Zion Church, founded in 2007, now has about 10,000 members in 40 cities. It was officially banned in 2018. Jin's family is in the US, but he stayed in China to lead his congregation. (Updated 13 Oct 2025, 16:14 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- 30 leaders of China 's largest underground church network were detained in overnight raids across several cities
- The US has called for their release
- Those arrested include Zion Church founder Jin Mingri