The Debate | Opinion | East Asia

Ezra Jin Is Free, But There Are More Pastors in China Behind Bars

“I respectfully ask the international community to stand with me – to fight for the freedom of Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, and all peaceful Christians imprisoned in China. ”

Pastor Gao Quanfu and wife Pang Yu in an undated family photo.

This July, a miracle took place in China, when Ezra Jin, an imprisoned Christian pastor from an unregistered house church, was suddenly set free. Throughout his 266 days of imprisonment, the international community rallied behind Pastor Jin, culminating in his release.

I write this article in desperate need of one more miracle. My father, Pastor Gao Quanfu of the Light of Zion Church, and my mother, Pang Yu, remain behind bars. My father faces 12 to 13 years in prison on baseless charges of fraud. As their trials approach, I can only hope that the international community will similarly support their cause.  

For my parents, faith and service were a calling. My father became a Christian at age 28, at a time when public religious practice was nearly nonexistent in China. He served as a minister for 40 years: mentoring the next generation of religious leaders, carrying out ministry work, and supporting families in his congregation. He was also a talented musician; he played an instrument called the suona horn. My mother had a successful career as an actress, TV anchor, and producer. It was love at first sight for the two of them, and they anticipated a bright future for their family and community. 

In 2025, my parents paid a steep price for their faith. On May 16, authorities in Xi’an arrested Pastor Gao and eleven other members of the Light of Zion Church. Initially, my father was charged with “using superstition to undermine the implementation of the law.” The charges were later altered; he is now facing charges of “fraud” for accepting voluntary donations from his congregants. Three weeks after my father’s arrest, my mother was detained, simply because she is married to Pastor Gao. 

My parents’ ordeal is reflective of a wider crackdown on unregistered house churches in China. The Light of Zion Church, and other such entities, have drawn Beijing’s ire due to their refusal to submit to state surveillance and restrictions that can include controlling the content of sermons. Although some practitioners have since been released, my parents, Pastor Tang Bingyi of the Light of Zion Church, and eight members of Pastor Jin’s congregation (Zion Church) remain in prison.  

My father continues to maintain that Christian churches should respect the governing authorities, but he believes that his church must preserve its autonomy........

© The Diplomat