The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) condemning the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for detaining Pastor Ezra Jin and other leaders of the Zion Church in China. The resolution calls for their immediate release.
Senator Cruz stated, “Christians are fighting daily for their religious freedom against the Chinese Communist Party. Last month, the CCP carried out its largest nationwide crackdown in over four decades against a Christian house church in China. I’m grateful to Senator Coons and my colleagues for standing with me to demand Pastor Jin and his congregation’s release and to make clear that any government that fears faith is tyrannical.”
Senator Coons commented, “Everyone deserves the right to practice their religion freely without fear. I’m glad the Senate passed this bipartisan resolution to call for the Chinese government to release Pastor Jin, Ekpar Asat, and all political and religious prisoners.”
The resolution was cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).
Senator Capito said, “The Chinese Communist Party’s campaign of repression against Christians, including the targeting of churches such as the Zion Church, is a violation of fundamental religious freedom rights. I am glad to see the resolution condemning the CCP for abducting leaders of the Christian leaders, which I co-sponsored, has passed the Senate. This sends a clear message: faith is not a crime, and the United States condemns the recent alarming arrests of church leaders by CCP authorities.”
Senator Shaheen remarked, “The Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of religious minority groups, including Christians, Muslims and Buddhists is a violation of basic human rights. The detention of Pastor Ezra Jin and leaders of the Zion Church are another chilling reminder of the Chinese Communist Party’s relentless campaign to silence religious minorities. I’m proud to join this bipartisan resolution demanding their release and reaffirming America’s commitment to promote religious freedom and tolerance.”
Senator Grassley added, “The abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin and the ongoing religious persecution against Christians in China is a tragedy and a violation to individual rights and freedoms. I strongly condemn the Chinese Communist Party’s continued religious persecution of Christians, as well as believers of other faiths, and will continue to advocate for those being unfairly silenced. I’m pleased the Senate passed our resolution unanimously.”
Senator Kaine said, “In 1786, the Virginia General Assembly passed a statute that created the foundation for religious freedom in America. Our example is a beacon to the world, and the freedom to practice your faith – including the right to not practice any faith at all – is a fundamental human right. In China, the state’s crackdown on the Zion Church is part of a broader pattern of systematic suppression of any religious authority or group seen as independent of the state. I am proud that this bipartisan resolution passed the Senate, sending a strong message statement of support for human rights and religious freedom.”
Senator Tim Scott stated, “The Chinese Communist Party’s targeting of Pastor Jin and the Zion Church is an attack on the God-given right to live out one’s faith. I’m pleased the Senate passed this bipartisan resolution condemning China’s persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, and I call for immediate release of all those arrested. The United States stands with persecuted people and is committed to defending religious freedom.”
Senator Cassidy said simply: “Faith isn’t a crime. We need to call out China for once more targeting people of faith.”
Senator Rick Scott commented: “I’m proud to see our resolution condemning CCP's brutal persecution pass in Senate... With this bipartisan action America makes clear our commitment... I'll continue working with my colleagues to hold CCP accountable."
Senator Wicker said: "The United States has led world in religious freedom... We must speak truth about regime's evil crackdown on Christians... We will not stop advocating..."
A companion bill was introduced in Congress by Representative Andy Barr (R-Ky.-06). Rep. Barr stated: "China needs to release Pastor Jin... Until then Senator Cruz & I will keep rallying our House & Senate colleagues..."
On October 10th 2025 authorities conducted what was described as China's largest coordinated crackdown on an urban house church since at least four decades ago; at least 22 pastors or members from Zion Church were detained.
Over recent years Senator Cruz has sponsored or supported several measures focused on human rights issues involving China—such as introducing legislation regarding Falun Gong practitioners’ protection in March 2025; recognizing anniversaries related Tibetan resistance; advancing initiatives holding officials accountable over Uyghur treatment; joining efforts addressing forced labor concerns.
Ted Cruz has won several elections during his career: he defeated Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% versus 44.6%, Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with 50.9% versus 48.3%, and Paul Sadler in 2012 with 56.5% versus 40.6%.
