Ezra Jin Discusses Church-State Relations in China at Hamilton School

The Hamilton School recently welcomed Ezra Jin, founder and pastor of Zion Church in China, to the University of Florida for “Between Party and Pulpit: Conflicts in Church and State Relations in China Today.”

A packed Reitz Union Grand Ballroom welcomed Jin for what marked his first public appearance following his release from detention in China and arrival in the United States. Jin had spent 266 days in detention after being detained alongside other Zion Church leaders in October 2025.

Jin spoke about his experiences and the complex relationship between religious communities and the state in contemporary China. The audience included a strong turnout from Gainesville’s Chinese and broader Asian communities, as well as UF students, faculty and community members. Following his lecture, Jin took questions from the audience during a lively Q&A.

The Hamilton School was honored to provide a forum for Jin to share his perspective and experiences so soon after his release.

The event was co-sponsored by the UF Levin College of Law and the Christian Study Center of Gainesville.