Hundreds of Christians and church leaders across more than 45 countries have signed an online prayer petition to show solidarity with pastors and believers arrested in China.

Bill Drexel, the son-in-law of Pastor Jin Mingri, one of those detained, said he believes this marks the first time Christians worldwide, including those from nations with close ties to China, have jointly spoken out for the persecuted church.

Pastor Jin, also known as Ezra Jin, is the founder of the Zion Church of Beijing, an influential independent Christian congregation.

In October, Chinese authorities arrested around 30 Christians connected to the Zion Church network as part of a broader crackdown on underground churches.

Reports suggest that about 18 individuals, including Pastor Jin, remain in detention centers and are expected to face formal sentencing.

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