The United States has condemned the recent detention of leaders from the unregistered Zion House Church in China, including pastor Mingri “Ezra” Jin. According to a statement, U.S. officials criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for targeting Christians who choose to worship outside of state-sanctioned religious organizations.
“This crackdown further demonstrates how the CCP exercises hostility towards Christians who reject Party interference in their faith and choose to worship at unregistered house churches,” the statement said.
U.S. authorities have called on China to release those detained and allow people of faith, including members of house churches, to practice their religion without fear. “We call on the CCP to immediately release the detained church leaders and to allow all people of faith, including members of house churches, to engage in religious activities without fear of retribution,” they stated.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about religious freedom in China and continued scrutiny by international observers regarding restrictions on unregistered religious groups.
