Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu, and Pang Yu: Advocates for Faith and Religious Freedom in China

Authorities from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have arbitrarily detained Chinese Christian church leaders and advocates for religious freedom Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and Pastor Gao Quanfu, alongside Pastor Gao’s wife, Pang Yu. All three have been targeted due to their peaceful religious activities. 

Pastor Jin is the leader of an underground Protestant church network, Zion Church, which operates independently of the state-sanctioned religious system. Pastor Jin founded Zion Church in 2007. Pastor Gao is the founder and leader of Light of Zion Church, an unregistered Christian congregation that has faced sustained pressure from authorities. His wife, Pang Yu, has played an active role in supporting the church community, working alongside her husband in ministry and caring for congregants. Like many unregistered churches in China, their communities have been subject to surveillance, harassment, and repression due to their refusal to align with Chinese Communist Party-controlled religious institutions. 

In recent years, Chinese authorities have intensified restrictions on independent religious practice, targeting pastors and their families who continue to worship and organize religious life outside of state control. Pastor Jin and Pastor Gao remained committed to their churches and leadership despite these risks, and Pang Yu supported church operations and helped maintain community cohesion at Light of Zion Church under mounting pressure. 

Chinese authorities detained Pastor Jin on charges of “illegally using information networks,” while they charged Pastor Gao with “fraud” and “using superstition to undermine law enforcement” and his wife Pang Yu for being his “accomplice.” These charges reflect a broader pattern of repression against unregistered Christian communities across China. International observers have condemned the arrests, alleging that they constitute arbitrary detention. Advocates for democracy, human rights, and religious freedom have accused the PRC of suppressing freedom of religion or belief and weaponizing unjust detention to silence peaceful religious expression. 

The detainees’ deteriorating health further underscores the urgency of their cases. Pastor Jin, age 57, suffers from severe type 2 diabetes, requiring consistent medical care. Pastor Gao, age 69, experiences chronic back pain. Pang Yu, age 69, is battling multiple serious health issues, including anxiety, heart complications, and deteriorating tissue in her left breast (according to discussions with family members). Despite documented medical needs, timely treatment has been insufficient. 

Since their detention, authorities have restricted their access to legal representation and communication with family members. As with many similar cases, Beijing is denying them due process, operating without transparency, and neglecting their overall well-being while in custody. 

The McCain Institute is working to raise awareness and ultimately secure the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu, and Pang Yu. Their detention highlights the broader challenges that religious leaders and their families face in China. The McCain Institute remains committed to advocating for victims of religious repression and defending the fundamental right to freedom of religion worldwide.