When Pastor Ezra Jin’s jailers escorted him out of his cell early this month, they subjected him to one last bit of cruelty by delaying the moment that he knew he was being released (The Wall Street Journal, July 8, 2026).
“I spent 266 days in a Chinese prison after being detained along with 28 other leaders and members of Zion Church in October. When guards ushered me into a van last Friday [July 3], I thought they were taking me to my trial. I expected a long sentence for founding and leading Zion, one of China’s underground, or house, churches. But hours later, I was free.”
Crowded
About what his incarceration was like, Jin says only that he had been in a “crowded prison cell.” But he reminds us that eight others of Zion Church, “along with many other church leaders and prisoners of conscience, remain in prison. These men and women, some of the most caring people I have met, are confined in cramped cells and sleep on floor mats in blistering heat.”
In an interview with the Washington Stand, Su Ziming (shown above), wife of Pastor Wang Lin, one of the Zion Church members still imprisoned, elaborates.
The detention environment is extremely crowded, with a single cell typically housing 20 to 30 people. In the sweltering summer heat, there is only one fan, leaving many with heat rash.
There are strict schedules for bathing and using the toilet, and many are forced to sleep on their sides due to the lack of space. Over time, these conditions take a toll on physical health and prevent proper rest.
The prison meals lack nutritional value, mainly poorly washed vegetables such as boiled radish, pumpkin, and greens. There is only an occasional small piece of meat at dinner.
Additionally, Pastor Wang Lin reported to his lawyer that during an interrogation on June 18, he was subjected to loud berating and intimidation for 30 minutes. During the interrogation, he experienced significant physical distress, particularly severe heart discomfort.
According to recent information we received, his physical condition has become increasingly concerning due to prolonged malnutrition brought on by months of confinement. We remain deeply concerned about his health and its long-term effects.
Christians belonging to China’s unregistered or underground churches—those that do not submit to Party oversight—are subject to arrest. The Telegraph reports that “Under Mr Xi’s iron-tight grip, China has expanded its nationwide suppression of Christians during the last decade, arresting more than 10,000 people, according to Bob Fu, the founder of ChinaAid, a charity for victims of persecution in the country. In the most recent crackdown, armed police stormed the Early Rain Covenant, an influential underground church, and detained more than 30 members last month [June 2026].”
Why?
Su Ziming says, “Over the years, Zion Church has grown into one of China’s most influential house church networks. This is why the church became a primary target for suppression.
“Zion Church insisted on conducting religious activities independently and shepherding the congregation according to the Bible, refusing to compromise its articles of faith. This is also why several pastors and co-workers—including my husband, Pastor Wang Lin—are still being held in connection with the same case.”
The deeper explanation, says Bob Fu, is that “It’s the emperor playing God.” Xi Jinping “wants to be exclusive, he doesn’t want to have anything treated or worshipped more superior than him.”
“The authorities want to control your thoughts,” says Mirro Ren, a former member of the Early Rain Covenant Church who is now living in the United States.
