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China arrested Ezra Jin, founder of the unregistered Zion Church, and more than 30 pastors and staff in a sweeping crackdown, relatives and church leaders told NPR. Jin was detained at his home in Beihai, Guangxi; some detainees face charges such as “illegal dissemination of religious information via the internet.” Witnesses reported police used a wanted list and force; a female pastor was separated from her newborn. The Chinese embassy did not respond to NPR. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urged releases. Zion says it will continue services and insists it is not anti-CCP.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.