Chinese authorities have detained dozens of pastors and members of Zion Church, one of the country’s largest unregistered Christian networks, in what rights groups and observers called the communist regime’s most sweeping crackdown on underground churches in decades.
The arrests, carried out across multiple cities beginning Oct. 10, targeted the leadership of the influential house church network founded by Beijing pastor Jin Mingri, also known as Ezra Jin.
Church spokespersons, family members, and advocacy organizations indicate approximately 30 pastors and members were taken into custody, with about 20 still being held as of early this week.
The detentions have drawn criticism from Washington and international religious freedom groups….