On November 4, a symposium marking the 80th anniversary of Tianfeng (Heavenly Wind), the flagship magazine of CCC&TSPM, was held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, where the publication was first established. Fifty participants, including leaders from various provincial and municipal CC&TSPMs and contributing authors, gathered to review the magazine's history and discuss its role in the new era.
According to CCC&TSPM, in his keynote speech, Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairperson of the national TSPM, reviewed Tianfeng's 80-year journey and reiterated the mission set forth by its founder, Mr. Y. T. Wu—"to apply a revolutionary faith to the problems of contemporary China so that it may become a force for transforming crises and redeeming lives." He emphasized that this founding vision has continued to guide the magazine's development.
Rev. Xu highlighted Tianfeng's significance across different historical stages—as a voice for truth and progress in earlier times, a herald of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, a channel for promoting patriotism and love for the church, and a forum for advancing the Sinicization of Christianity. Looking ahead, he expressed five expectations: to uphold independence and self-governance, to deepen theological reflection on Sinicization, to strengthen professional writing and editorial capacity, to stay rooted in the life of grassroots churches and believers, and to enhance the publication's guiding and unifying role.
Rev. Shan Weixiang, vice chairperson of the national TSPM and former editor-in-chief of Tianfeng, reflected on his 12 years with the magazine. He noted that since its beginnings in Sichuan and Chongqing, Tianfeng has endured wars and social transitions, consistently bearing witness to faith and chronicling the growth of the Chinese church.
Today, it serves as a vital platform for communicating religious policies, expounding theological teachings, nurturing believers, and promoting the Sinicization of Christianity. In the digital era, he added, Tianfeng should evolve into an integrated media platform that continues to strengthen its role in guiding thought and advancing Sinicization.
Representatives at the symposium shared the long-standing connections between Tianfeng and churches across the country. Rev. Xu Yulan, chairperson of the Shanghai Municipal TSPM, noted that Tianfeng has consistently responded to the needs of the times through faith, remaining closely tied to the nation's destiny and to Shanghai's role in its printing and publication. She highlighted the magazine's deep connection with Shanghai, where it not only documented the city's Christian development but also provided valuable historical sources for studying the Three-Self Patriotic Movement in China.
The establishment and growth of the Shanghai Ai Ji Printing Press, she added, ensured the regular monthly printing and distribution of tens of thousands of copies. Rev. Xu expressed hope that Tianfeng would continue to serve as a bridge integrating Christian faith and Chinese culture.
Rev. Wu Weiqing, chairperson of Beijing Municipal TSPM, remarked that as a nationally authoritative publication, Tianfeng should continue to play a leading role in shaping thought and culture in the capital.
Rev. Guo Yun, chairperson of Guangdong Provincial TSPM, observed that Tianfeng has maintained steady circulation despite challenges faced by traditional print media and has been included in multiple academic databases, reflecting its enduring influence and vitality.
Rev. Wang Jun, chairperson and president of Shaanxi CC&TSPM, emphasized the magazine's continuing mission in the new era—to strengthen its foundational work, serve believers, and further advance the practice of Sinicization.
Rev. Yue Qinghua, chairperson of Fujian Provincial TSPM, shared that Tianfeng's articles have been included as required reading in both teaching and examinations at Fujian Theological Seminary and are widely disseminated through new media platforms.
Author representatives also shared their personal writing journeys, saying that Tianfeng has not only been a platform for literary ministry but also a "dream maker" that inspires faith-based reflection and nurtures growth in writing.
In the afternoon session, the Media Ministry Department of CCC&TSPM reported on the magazine's subscription and distribution, while Editor-in-Chief Rev. Hao Zhiqiang outlined the topic selection plan for 2026. Participants suggested strengthening coverage of grassroots churches, enhancing policy interpretation, and expanding distribution channels to make the publication more relevant to believers' lives and better meet the reading needs of diverse audiences.
According to Chinese Christian Studies, Tianfeng was founded in Chengdu in 1945 by Mr. Y. T. Wu as the official publication of CCC&TSPM. As one of the most influential journals in the history of Chinese Christianity, it has witnessed and recorded the development of the Chinese church over the past eighty years. Edited in its early years by Chen Xingui, Ye Qifang, and others, Tianfeng gradually evolved from a humble beginning into a significant platform that integrates theological reflection with social engagement.
