USCIRF Condemns Nationwide Detention of Church Leaders across China

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns in the strongest possible terms the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) detention of Zion Church founder Pastor Mingri “Ezra” Jin as well as the brutal arrest of dozens of other religious leaders and church staff in multiple regions across China. 

“With these arrests, the CCP once again has demonstrated its utter contempt for religious freedom,” said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler. “We call upon the US government to pressure China on this horrendous violation until it releases Ezra Jin and of all those who have been detained for practicing their faith.”

This nationwide crackdown adds to ongoing assaults on freedom of religion or belief within China. Under President Xi Jinping’s “sinicization of religion” policy, CCP authorities have escalated efforts to coerce and to enact retribution on religious groups refusing to join state-controlled religious organizations.

“These latest arrests of religious leaders is a continuation of the CCP’s persecution against the Chinese people,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood. “The Chinese government will stop at nothing – even its own borders – to repress religious freedom for everyone.” 

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended the U.S. Department of State continue to designate China as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. On September 26, 2025, USCIRF released a report on “China's Persecution of Religious Leaders,” including imprisonment, forced disappearance, and torture. USCIRF held a hearing on October 16, 2025, on “State-Controlled Religion in China” at which these latest developments were addressed.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].

The U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, often referred to as the IRF Ambassador, plays a vital role in the U.S. government’s promotion of international religious freedom. Pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA), the IRF Ambassador is mandated to head the Office of International Religious Freedom, or IRF Office, at the State Department. Additional duties include serving as the principal adviser to the President and Secretary of State on matters involving religious freedom abroad and representing the United States on IRF matters diplomatically. In April, President Trump nominated Mark Walker as the next IRF Ambassador. As religious persecution increases globally, it is urgent that the Senate confirm an IRF ambassador to ensure this issue remains a priority in U.S. foreign policy and globally. 

On today’s episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast, USCIRF Chair Hartzler and Vice Chair Mahmood speak with former IRF Ambassadors David Saperstein and Samuel Brownback to reflect on the impact of this position and share recommendations for the next Ambassador. 

Read USCIRF’s Factsheet on Key IRF-Related Positions, along with USCIRF’s Factsheet on IRFA to learn more about the legislation establishing the IRF Ambassador position.

USCIRF Releases Report on Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on refugees fleeing religious persecution:

The Responsibility of Host Countries to Protect Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution - Examples from South and Southeast Asia – As the refugee population increases, including those fleeing religious persecution, more than two-thirds remain in neighboring countries. Cases in South and Southeast Asia, such as Uyghurs in Thailand, Afghans in Pakistan, and the Rohingya in Bangladesh, illustrate the mounting tensions surrounding these vulnerable displaced populations. Despite some states not being signatories to the main international legal instruments protecting refugees, these countries still have obligations to the refugee populations within their borders. Addressing their basic needs can reduce grievances and mitigate the risk of radicalization, which in turn promotes security. This factsheet details states’ legal obligations to protect refugees and provides examples of the conditions and treatment of such refugees across South and Southeast Asia.

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF includes recommendations to the U.S. government to improve religious freedom conditions which can help address the root causes that drive migration. USCIRF’s Annual Report also includes broader recommendations for the U.S. government related to refugee policy. USCIRF’s previous efforts focusing on this issue have included a factsheet on Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution and a hearing on Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution. 

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected]