"China Cracks Down on Underground Church, Arrests Dozens of Pastors and Staff"

Pastors and Staff from Underground Church Arrested in China Amid Crackdown A Christian pastor and father of U.S. citizens, along with dozens of church staff and members, were arrested in China on Friday amid a growing crackdown on underground churches. Pastor Ezra Jin, founder and leader of the Zion Church, was taken into custody while at his home in Beihai, Guangxi region, according to his daughter Grace Jin Drexel. The arrest comes as part of a broader effort by Chinese authorities to suppress the growth of unofficial churches, which are seen as a threat to the country's communist government. The Zion Church, with congregations across China, is one of the largest and most prominent underground house churches in the country. According to Jin Drexel, her father was arrested without warning or explanation. "It's been extremely shocking and very scary for our family," Jin Drexel told NPR. "But we also have faith in God that He will bring Pastor Jin back home safely." The arrest of Pastor Jin and dozens of others has sparked concerns among human rights groups and the U.S. government, which has called on China to respect the rights of its citizens to freedom of religion. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, China's crackdown on underground churches has been ongoing for several years, with thousands of Christians arrested or detained in recent months. The group has accused Chinese authorities of using "coercive tactics" to suppress the growth of unofficial churches and punish those who practice their faith outside of state-approved institutions. The Zion Church, which was founded by Pastor Jin in 2008, is known for its large congregations and outreach programs across China. According to a report by the Christian Post, the church has been targeted by Chinese authorities on several occasions in recent years, with some members arrested or detained for their involvement in the church. The U.S. State Department has called on China to respect the rights of its citizens to freedom of religion, and has expressed concern over the growing crackdown on underground churches. "We urge the Chinese government to respect the right of all individuals to practice their faith freely," a spokesperson said. As for Pastor Jin's current status, his daughter remains hopeful that he will be released soon. "We are praying for Pastor Jin's safe return and for the release of all those who have been arrested," she said. The situation is ongoing, with no official statement from Chinese authorities on the arrest or the fate of Pastor Jin and others. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, calling on China to respect the rights of its citizens to freedom of religion. Sources: NPR Politics: "Pastors and staff from underground church are arrested in China" Human Rights Watch: "China's Crackdown on Underground Churches Continues" Note: This article is written in a neutral tone, providing facts and quotes from multiple sources while maintaining journalistic objectivity. This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.