On November 10, authorities in China lifted the bail conditions of four Zion Church members: Yang Lijun, Sun Xue, Huang Chunzi and a fourth person identified as Tuya. Until then, they could not leave the city where they live without permission and had to report to the police when summoned. The information comes from CSW, an organization that advocates for religious freedom.
The four were among 28 pastors, elders and members detained in October 2025 in a police operation across several cities against the church, which is not registered with the state. Eighteen of them were formally arrested on November 18, 2025, accused of illegally using information networks. On June 19, 2026, nine of the 18 were released on bail. Senior Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was released on July 4.
CSW says another member had already had her conditions lifted earlier, and that four remain free on bail. Eight leaders are still detained awaiting trial, and the charges against them were changed to fraud or illegal business operations. A hearing scheduled for August was postponed, and there is no new date.
For the local church, each lifted restriction is a step of relief for families who have been waiting since October 2025. For the global church, it is a reason for gratitude and a call to keep interceding for those who are still imprisoned.
How to pray
- Thank God for the four brothers and sisters who have regained freedom of movement.
- Ask that the eight leaders still detained be released and return to their families.
- Pray for wisdom and courage for those who remain free on bail.
- Intercede that unregistered congregations may gather in peace.
Source: CSW
Illustrative image. Photo: Yi Zong / Unsplash
