China Frees U.S. Pastor After Nearly 20 Years

A pastor from the United States was released from a Chinese prison after being jailed for nearly 20 years.

Pastor David Lin has been imprisoned in China since 2006 for “allegedly aiding a non-government sanctioned house church.”

Chinese authorities reported Lin was initially sent to life in prison for “contract fraud,’ but his sentence was later shortened.

The “contract fraud” accusation stems from Linn allegedly conducting ministry among house churches in China without governmental authorization.

China has freed David Lin, a U.S. pastor who had been in jail since 2006, the State Dept. says. https://t.co/u9YmY3wJ5e

— NBC News World (@NBCNewsWorld) September 16, 2024

China frees David Lin, American pastor who U.S. government says was wrongfully detained for 18 years https://t.co/jgMy4OSXAh

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) September 16, 2024

Check out what Fox News reported:

China on Sunday released U.S. pastor David Lin, who has been in jail since 2006 in what the State Department has deemed was a wrongful detainment.

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The now 68-year-old pastor was formally arrested in 2009 for “contract fraud” and sentenced to life in prison after allegedly aiding a non-government sanctioned house church. His sentence was later reduced and he was set to be released in April 2030.

According to a U.S.-based China advocacy group, China Aid, which was founded to assist persecuted activists, Lin had been traveling to China since the 1990s for missionary work.

Lin reportedly applied for a license through the Chinese government to organize a Christian ministry, but the request is believed to have been denied.

House churches are congregations in China that have not been approved by the Chinese government, but are reportedly picking up traction across the country despite government crackdowns, according to Christian websites.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in 2019 warned that it suspected Lin was being targeted in prison due to his faith, and voiced concern over his safety and health.

1/2) Wonderful news!!! #American pastor David Lin, 68, who’s been since 2006, has been released after #Chinese authorities had released her father from prison. Welcome home Pastor Lin!!! https://t.co/Odjt2a1kwp pic.twitter.com/sVh5Kx1inf

— Paige K (@PaigeK_07) September 16, 2024

Per NBC News:

China has freed David Lin, a U.S. pastor who had been in jail since 2006, the State Department said Sunday, marking the release of a man who Washington claims was wrongfully detained.

U.S. politicians had for years urged Beijing to free Lin, who was jailed for life on charges of contract fraud.

“We welcome David Lin’s release from prison in the People’s Republic of China. He has returned to the United States and now gets to see his family for the first time in nearly 20 years,” a State Department spokesperson said.

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