Congressman Riley M. Moore and a group of bipartisan lawmakers called on President Donald J. Trump on Mar. 25 to advocate for the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri during an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The request highlights ongoing concerns about religious persecution in China, particularly targeting Christians and other minority groups. Lawmakers said Pastor Jin, who leads Zion Church in China, was detained in October 2025 along with other church leaders as part of what they described as a crackdown by the Chinese Communist Party on unsanctioned religious communities.
In their letter to President Trump, the lawmakers urged him to prioritize Pastor Jin’s case and push for the release of all individuals imprisoned due to their religious beliefs. The letter cited widespread abuses such as arbitrary detention, long prison sentences, destruction of places of worship, and surveillance or intimidation against religious communities.
The group also encouraged the administration to use powers under the International Religious Freedom Act to impose targeted sanctions and visa restrictions on those responsible for serious violations of religious freedom.
A total of 22 U.S. Senators and 11 U.S. Representatives signed the bipartisan letter, which its authors say demonstrates broad support for addressing human rights issues within U.S.–China diplomatic relations.
“Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and the Chinese Communist Party’s continued persecution of Christians and other religious groups is an egregious violation of that principle,” Moore said in a statement. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to call for the immediate release of Pastor Jin and all those unjustly detained for their faith. As a Christian nation, the United States must oppose religious persecution wherever it occurs. We have a duty to hold the CCP accountable and never turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
