On September 12, Shanghai CC&TSPM held a symposium to mark the 75th anniversary of the launch of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China, along with a showcase of the "Three-Self Patriotic Movement Birthplace Research Project."
At the symposium, Wang Jue, deputy director of the Municipal United Front Work Department and party group secretary of the Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau, commended the 75-year journey of the Shanghai Christian community in advancing the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. He called for upholding the tradition of independence and self-governance, actively promoting the Sinicization of Christianity, and fostering the healthy development of the church.
Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairperson of the national TSPM, congratulated the research project on its interim achievements. He emphasized that the essence of the Three-Self spirit lies in "patriotism," its core is "independence and self-governance," its elevation is the "Sinicization of Christianity," and its safeguard is "governing the church in accordance with the law and regulations."
In his keynote address, Professor You Bin, vice president of the Chinese Association of Religious Studies and dean of the Academy of Religious Studies at Minzu University of China, reviewed Premier Zhou Enlai's "Four Talks" on Christianity in the early years of the People's Republic, noting that they provided guidance for launching the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Rev. Xu Yulan, chairperson of Shanghai TSPM, remarked that as the birthplace of the movement, Shanghai should take a greater role in carrying forward its principles and advancing the Sinicization of Christianity.
During the discussion session, scholars and pastors delivered presentations on topics including "The Significance of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement from a Global Perspective," "The 'Shanghai Gene' of the Chinese Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement," "The Sinicization of Christian Liturgy—Building a Harmonious Covenant between Faith and Society," and "The Right Time, the Right Place, and the Right People: The Formation of the Birthplace of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement."
The event also featured a screening of the short film "Passing on the Torch, Embarking on a New Journey." The exhibition included the "Shanghai Christianity Sinicization Practice Exhibition" and the "Three-Self Patriotic Movement Birthplace Research Project Results Exhibition," highlighting both the historical heritage and contemporary efforts of Shanghai as the birthplace of the movement.
More than 100 participants attended, including Shanghai experts and scholars, leaders from the United Front and religious affairs departments, representatives of district-level CC&TSPMs, and faculty and students from East China Theological Seminary.
