From June 18 to 25, Rev. Lin Manhong, vice president and general secretary of the China Christian Council (CCC), and Gu Jingqin, interim chief of the Overseas Relations Department of CCC&TSPM, traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the 70th Central Committee Meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC).
Prior to the main session, Rev. Lin also took part in the two-day meeting of the WCC Executive Committee. She was elected as one of the 25-member executive committee in 2022, while Gu has been selected as a member of the new executive committee this time.
According to CCC&TSPM, held under the theme "Daring to Hope in the Context of Struggle and Pain," the gathering brought together 150 official delegates and over 200 consultants worldwide to reflect on the practice of faith amid contemporary challenges. Key topics included the "Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action," preparations for the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325), and discussions on bearing witness to peace in regions affected by conflict, as well as promoting racial equality. The meeting reaffirmed the church's gospel-based commitment to justice and to being the light and salt in the world.
The Chinese delegates participated in all sessions and contributed insights during discussions. During breaks, they engaged in friendly exchanges with representatives from various churches and organizations, including the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Protestant Church in Switzerland, the Uniting Church in Australia, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, and the Church of Norway.
