Archive · 22 Nov 2025
China's Crackdown on Christianity: 18 Zion Church Leaders Arrested
In China, the government is cracking down on Christian churches that aren't officially approved.
They arrested 18 leaders of a big church called Zion because they were using the internet to spread their beliefs.
This is part of a larger effort to stop independent churches.
The US and rights groups are worried about this, but China says these churches are breaking the law.
18 leaders of Beijing Zion Church arrested for 'illegally using information networks'
Arrests part of nationwide operation targeting unregistered churches
Pastor Mingri 'Ezra' Jin and nearly 30 others detained across China
US criticizes arrests, rights groups call it intensifying campaign against independent Christianity
Zion Church forced online after 2018 premises shutdown, now restricted under new rules
- Who
- Beijing Zion Church leaders, including pastor Mingri 'Ezra' Jin
- What
- Arrested for 'illegally using information networks'
- When
- Early October 2022
- Where
- Across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan
- Why
- Part of a nationwide operation targeting unregistered churches
Chinese Government
Christian Rights Organizations
Illegal Activities
Chinese Government
Arrested for 'illegally using information networks'
Christian Rights Organizations
Refuse to submit to Communist Party control
- Church
- Beijing Zion Church
- Founded
- 2007
- Members
- Nearly 5,000 across 50 cities
- Arrested Leaders
- 18
- Maximum Prison Sentence
- 3 years