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 the challenges faced by religious groups in China.
Trump's Commitment to Religious Freedom
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump stated his intention to discuss the situation of Pastor Jin with Chinese leadership. The pastor was reportedly affected by a mass crackdown that occurred across various congregations and cities in China.
- Trump mentioned the minister, whom he learned about that morning, as a key topic for discussion with Xi Jinping.
Family Reaction and Hopes
The family of Pastor Jin expressed profound gratitude and optimism following the President's remarks. Grace Jin Drexel, the pastor's daughter, stated that securing freedom for any prisoner of conscience in China is a significant achievement.
- Drexel conveyed hope that the meeting could lead to a miracle, specifically regarding her father's potential reunion with his family in the United States.
- The Jin family members mentioned in the report are American citizens residing in the US, while Pastor Jin was located in China.
Context: Christianity and Religious Practice in China
Experts indicate that Chinese authorities have historically viewed Christianity as a foreign influence and a potential threat to state control. While religious practice is legally permitted in China, it remains tightly regulated and monitored by the government, which only registers state-sanctioned churches.
- Underground Communities: Some Christian groups operate unregistered "house churches," such as Zion Church, which Pastor Jin founded in Beijing in 2007.
- Pressure and Departure: According to Grace Jin Drexel, the family faced a "pressure campaign" from the government, which eventually prompted the family to relocate to the US. Following continued harassment in Beijing, Pastor Jin reportedly returned to China alone.
- Crackdown: The situation escalated following a massive crackdown in 2018, which resulted in Pastor Jin being restricted from leaving the country.
