U.S. pastor released after 18 years in Chinese prison

A California pastor has been released after being imprisoned in communist China for over 18 years.

David Lin, 68, a U.S. citizen, was working to establish a Christian training center in Beijing in 2006 when he was detained by Chinese authorities. He was later charged with fraud, a frequent ploy of the Chinese government in detaining foreign visitors, and in December 2009 was sentenced to life imprisonment. 

After several sentence reductions, Lin was set to be released in 2029. China’s decision to grant Lin his freedom early comes nearly three weeks after a visit to Beijing by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and just ahead of a scheduled congressional hearing on the cases of several Americans imprisoned in China. 

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

As reported by the Christian Post, Lin had been an active participant in China’s underground church movement. According to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, his activities had “long faced hostility from Chinese authorities.” The organization noted: “Those who participate in and lead house churches often face intimidation, harassment, arrest, and harsh sentences.” 

While Lin maintained his innocence of any wrongdoing, his daughter, Alice Lin, said in a 2019 interview that her father was reluctant for his case to receive any special attention because he felt his imprisonment was God-ordained and a mission field for the Gospel. 

“What we do know is that he was in China because he had this huge burden for the unchurched in China,” she explained. “He had the vision to build a church and a Christian training center.” She added that one of his last messages was: “Don’t worry, God knows what He is doing. It is God’s wish that I am here. There are many people inside that need to hear God’s Word. Please don’t worry, but only pray for me.” 

Among those celebrating Lin’s release was Nizar Zakka of the group Hostage Aid Worldwide, who said:  

“The release of David Lin marks a significant moment. After 18 years of suffering, his return to his loved ones serves as a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of those who never lose hope. This victory is a tribute to his family, advocates, and the unwavering dedication of the U.S. government.” 

Dui Hua Foundation, a U.S. group that monitors the status of detainees in China, noted Lin was on a U.S. State Department priority list of three Americans imprisoned by the Chinese government, the other two being Mark Swidan and Kai Li. The group estimates that there are more than 200 Americans “under coercive measures” in China. In addition to Swidan and Li, Dui Hua says that Americans Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt continue to be wrongfully imprisoned in China. 

In a statement U.S. Rep Michael McCaul,R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, celebrated Lin’s release while calling out the Chinese government: 

“I am extremely glad to hear David Lin was freed from his … wrongful imprisonment by the CCP. His capture, like so many others, marks a rising trend of hostage diplomacy by authoritarians around the world. However, Kai Li and Texan Mark Swidan still remain CCP prisoners – and must be freed now.” 

Photo: USCIRF, Bring Our Families Home Campaign