Ahead of his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump announced plans to raise the case of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, highlighting concerns over religious freedom in China.
Trump's Commitment to Religious Freedom
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump stated his intention to bring up the matter of Pastor Jin, whom he mentioned learning about that morning. This focus signals an effort to address religious persecution within the People's Republic of China.
- Trump plans to raise the case with Xi Jinping during the upcoming meeting.
- The discussion centers on the freedom of conscience for religious adherents in China.
Family Reaction and Context
Pastor Jin's daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, expressed profound gratitude for the President's remarks. In a statement to CNN, she noted the significance of such advocacy.
- Drexel stated that securing freedom for any prisoner of conscience in China is a major achievement.
- She expressed hope that the meeting could lead to a miracle, potentially reuniting her father with the family in the United States.
The Jin family members, including Grace Drexel, are American citizens residing in the U.S., while Pastor Jin resides in China.
Religious Practice in China: A Controlled Environment
Experts indicate that Chinese authorities view Christianity as a foreign influence and a potential threat to state control, leading to strict regulation of religious life.
- Legal Status: Religious practice is technically legal but is tightly controlled and monitored by the government.
- Official vs. Underground: The government registers only 'official' state-sanctioned churches. However, some communities maintain unregistered 'house churches,' such as Zion Church, which Pastor Jin founded in Beijing in 2007.
Background on Pastor Jin's Situation
The family faced escalating pressure, which eventually prompted the move to the U.S. Drexel stated that the family faced a 'pressure campaign' from the government. Following continued harassment in Beijing, Pastor Jin returned to China alone. This period was followed by a significant crackdown in 2018, resulting in arrests and barring Jin from leaving the country.
