Nearly 30 Chinese Pastors Detained: Australian Christians Urged to Pray

An urgent call to prayer has been issued after nearly 30 pastors and church leaders affiliated with Zion Church—one of China’s largest underground church networks—were detained or went missing between October 9 and 11 across multiple regions in China.

Key points:

As of October 13, 16 individuals have reportedly been released, but the condition and whereabouts of others remain unclear.

Many house churches have publicly expressed solidarity with Zion Church and called believers nationwide to united prayer.

“In our hearts, there is fear, anger, tears, and confusion… This dark night feels especially long. But we also know that night is not eternal.”

“Your urgent prayers are a vital support for Zion Church and the house churches in China during this time of intense trial.”

Among those detained is the church’s founder, Pastor Jin Mingri.

As of October 13, 16 individuals have reportedly been released, but the condition and whereabouts of others remain unclear.

Families of several detained leaders received criminal detention notices from the Yinhai Branch of Beihai Public Security Bureau in Guangxi Province, confirming that Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Yingjia, Pastor Yin Huibin, Sister Yang Lijun, and Pastor Wang Cong have been formally charged with “illegally using internet information.”

The charges are believed to relate to China’s newly implemented “Online Code of Conduct for Religious Professionals”, introduced by the National Religious Affairs Bureau in September 2025.

As of October 13, 16 individuals have reportedly been released, but the condition and whereabouts of others remain unclear.

Growing pressure on house churches

Zion Church—founded in Beijing in 2007—has long been known for its strong community focus, with ministries in education, family care, and church planting, as well as a vibrant online presence.

The church operates in over 40 cities across China and is widely respected among unregistered “house church” communities.

But over recent months, Chinese authorities have increased restrictions on unregistered churches, with reports of raids, interrogations, and detentions of pastors and workers across multiple provinces.

The recent wave of arrests has sent shockwaves through the underground Christian community.

Many house churches have publicly expressed solidarity with Zion Church and called believers nationwide to united prayer.

Many house churches have publicly expressed solidarity with Zion Church and called believers nationwide to united prayer.

“The night is not eternal”

Chinese Christian economist Dr Zhao Xiao shared an open letter of encouragement to believers on October 12, acknowledging the fear and pain many are experiencing:

“In our hearts, there is fear, anger, tears, and confusion… This dark night feels especially long.

“But we also know that night is not eternal.

“As Scripture says, ‘The night is far gone; the day is at hand’ (Romans 13:12).”

His message echoes the enduring faith of many Chinese Christians who continue to worship and serve despite severe pressure.

“In our hearts, there is fear, anger, tears, and confusion… This dark night feels especially long. But we also know that night is not eternal.”

Open Doors calls for prayer and advocacy

Australian-based charity Open Doors is urging believers to stand in prayer for those detained and their families.

“Your urgent prayers are a vital support for Zion Church and the house churches in China during this time of intense trial,” said Anna Hutchins, Executive Director of Open Doors Australia & New Zealand.

Open Doors continues to monitor the situation closely as Chinese authorities tighten restrictions on online religious activity and unregistered Christian gatherings.