The World Council of Churches (WCC) opened its executive committee meeting in Hangzhou, China, on 20 November, embarking on both a business agenda and a pilgrimage encounter with the people and churches in China, exploring the theme of "Christ, culture, and context."
The opening ceremony was moderated by Rev. Dr Lin Manhong, residential vice president and general secretary of the China Christian Council, and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary.
Wang Wenxu, director of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, offered a welcoming address, followed by an address from Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairperson of the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China.
Imam Yang Faming, president of the China Islamic Association, also offered remarks.
Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council, presented a special Nicaea 1700th anniversary Bible to the WCC.
Duan Yijun, vice minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee and director general of the National Religious Affairs Administration, welcomed the WCC to China as a sign of strong, healthy, and steadfast relations.
In his address, Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee, expressed admiration for the sense of church unity he has witnessed in China.
"The churches in China understand themselves primarily as Christian, not only in their wording but also in their action," he said. "We have come to China to listen and to learn and to discern."
Originally from the World Council of Churches
CCD reprinted with permission
