Congressman Riley M. Moore Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort Urging Release of Imprisoned Chinese Pastor Ahead of U.S.–China Summit

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter alongside U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), Congressman Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), along with 29 of their colleagues, urging President Donald J. Trump to press for the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri during the President's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Pastor Jin, the leader of Zion Church in China, was arbitrarily detained in October 2025 alongside other church leaders as part of the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing crackdown on unsanctioned religious communities. In their letter, lawmakers also highlighted the broader pattern of persecution against Christians, Uyghur Muslims, Tibetans, and other religious minorities across China.

In the letter, lawmakers urge President Trump to prioritize Pastor Jin's case during his meeting with President Xi and to advocate for the release of all individuals imprisoned for their religious beliefs. The letter also calls attention to widespread abuses, including arbitrary detention, lengthy prison sentences, destruction of places of worship, and surveillance and intimidation of religious communities.

Additionally, the lawmakers encouraged the Administration to utilize authorities under the International Religious Freedom Act to impose targeted sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom.

The bipartisan letter was signed by 22 U.S. Senators and 11 U.S. Representatives, underscoring broad, bipartisan support for confronting religious persecution and advancing human rights as part of ongoing U.S.-China diplomatic efforts.

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

"Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and the Chinese Communist Party's continued persecution of Christians and other religious groups is an egregious violation of that principle. I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to call for the immediate release of Pastor Jin and all those unjustly detained for their faith. As a Christian nation, the United States must oppose religious persecution wherever it occurs. We have a duty to hold the CCP accountable and never turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Read the full letter HERE.

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