Eight Zion Church Leaders Still in Prison as Advocates Say China's Christians Went Unmentioned
After the 24 September Trump–Xi meeting, The Voice of the Martyrs and senators pressed for the pastors held in China — including 67-year-old Pastor John Cao
The short answer
According to CBN News, religious-freedom advocates including Todd Nettleton of The Voice of the Martyrs expressed disappointment that persecution of Christians in China was not raised when President Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on 24 September 2026. Senator Ted Budd said eight leaders of Zion Church remain imprisoned; advocates cite more than 200 church leaders imprisoned in China, and Pastor John Cao, 67, who has late-stage cancer.
When President Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on **24 September**, advocates for China's persecuted Christians hoped their cause would be on the table. According to CBN News, it was not.
*"I'm disappointed,"* said **Todd Nettleton** of The Voice of the Martyrs. *"I had hoped that that topic would come up."*
The Zion Church Leaders
Zion Church in Beijing has been one of China's best-known unregistered congregations. Senator **Ted Budd** of North Carolina, part of a bipartisan group of senators pressing the issue, said: *"To this date, eight leaders of Zion Church remain behind bars."*
The church's founding pastor, **Ezra Jin**, now outside China, credited earlier advocacy: *"I'm very grateful that during last summit in Beijing, President Trump mentioned my case."*
The Wider Picture
Advocates cite more than **200 church leaders** imprisoned in China, and report churches being raided or required to install surveillance cameras. They also highlighted **Pastor John Cao**, 67, who CBN reports has late-stage cancer and has been denied a passport to leave the country.
Why One Meeting Matters
Pastor Jin's comment is the reason advocates care so much about a single conversation. When a case is raised at the highest level, it changes how officials on the ground handle it. When it isn't, the people involved notice that too.
What Prayer Looks Like Here
The persecuted church's standing request is to be remembered — by name where possible. That means eight Zion Church leaders, a 67-year-old pastor with cancer, and more than two hundred others whose names we will mostly never know.
Eight Zion Church leaders remain imprisoned and advocates cite 200+ church leaders held in China. Raising cases at the highest level has helped before — which is why advocates were disappointed it didn't happen this time.
Biblical Perspective
Paul, writing from prison, asked churches to pray that he would speak boldly, and Hebrews tells believers to remember prisoners as though in chains with them. Scripture also shows God's people appealing to rulers on behalf of the vulnerable — Esther before the king, Nehemiah before Artaxerxes.
"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
— Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Father, we remember the eight leaders of Zion Church, Pastor John Cao in his illness, and every believer imprisoned in China for following You. Sustain them, comfort their families, and give them boldness and peace. Move the hearts of those with power to release them. Amen.
Declarations to Speak
- ›God sees every prisoner of conscience in China!
- ›The church in China will not be silenced!
- ›We will remember them by name!
Take Action
- 1Pray this week for the eight Zion Church leaders and Pastor John Cao by name.
- 2Read our guide on how to pray for the persecuted church — China is part of its rotation.
- 3Write to your elected representatives asking that imprisoned pastors be raised in talks with China.
"Eight Zion Church leaders remain in prison in China. Share this so they are remembered by name."
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"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." — Proverbs 18:21
Your Prayers & Words Have Power
Every time you pray over a story and speak life, you are partnering with Heaven to see God's Kingdom come on earth. When believers around the world agree in prayer, mountains move. Keep praying over these matters — your consistency in intercession is changing the world.
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
Prayer Is Powerful — So Is Action.
You've prayed. Now take it further. Join or start an outreach group in your area and take the love of Jesus to the streets. Every act of love, every meal shared, every prayer prayed in person is the Kingdom advancing in your community.
"Faith without works is dead." — James 2:26
Questions people are asking
How many Zion Church leaders are imprisoned in China?
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Senator Ted Budd said eight leaders of Zion Church remain behind bars, according to CBN News reporting published on 1 October 2026.
Was Christian persecution raised at the Trump–Xi meeting?
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Advocates including Todd Nettleton of The Voice of the Martyrs said they were disappointed the topic did not come up at the 24 September 2026 White House meeting.
Sources & further reading
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)
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