‘Churches Together in Britain and Ireland’ Visits China

On September 1, 2019, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) paid a visit to China's national Nanjing Union Theological Seminary.
On September 1, 2019, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) paid a visit to China's national Nanjing Union Theological Seminary. (photo: Nanjing Union Theological Seminary)
By Karen LuoSeptember 30th, 2019

On September 16, 2019, the organization Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) paid a visit to China Christian Council & Three-Self Patriotic Movement (CCC&TSPM) and discussed church theological education and social service. 

According to CCC&TSPM, Rev. Kan Baoping, vice-chairman of TSPM, introduced the current situation of the Chinese church and the revisions to the rules and regulations regarding Protestant churches in China. A video showing the riots in Hong Kong was played to demonstrate the mob violence against public facilities, civilians, and the police. Rev. Kan claimed that some people in Hong Kong churches misinterpreted the Bible in order to demand greater freedom and have the support of politicians in Western countries such as the United States. This went against the Protestant tradition of church-state relations. 

Christine Elliott, director of CTBI's World Church Programmes, responded that the church in Britain emphasized reflecting on the country's past colonial practices. 

Both sides dialogued on topics such as personnel training and environmental care. 

On Sept 19, CTBI visited China's national Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, according to the seminary. The eight-person delegation also carried out a four-day trip to Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province. They were also received by Shaanxi CC&TSPM on Sept 21 and the next day attended the Sunday service held in Xi'an Nanxin Street Church.

The following days, the group visited the Shaanxi Red Ribbon Volunteers' Association to learn about the AIDS social work and saw local scenic historical spots.

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