A research and practice center for the contextualization of Christianity was established in Hainan Province.
On April 14, an exchange seminary on developing Christianity in the Chinese context was conducted at a hotel in Haikou with Rev. Shan Weixiang, vice president and general director of the China Christian Council, as the guest speaker, reported Hainan CC&TSPM.
Immediately after the seminar, the plaque for the center was unveiled. Li Zhengxiang, chairman of the Hainan Provincial CC&TSPM, signed the "Supplementary Agreement on the Commission Research on the History of Christianity in Hainan" with the Center for the Study of Religion and Chinese Society, Shanghai University.
Established by the Hainan Provincial CC&TSPM, the center is a theoretical research and practice platform for the indigenization of Christianity with Hainanese characteristics. It focuses on in-depth exploration and research on the sinicization of the management system of Chinese churches, the liturgy, preaching, hospice care, and social services in China. It also explores the "four entries" campaign (referring to the national flag of China, the Constitution, laws and regulations, core socialist values, and fine traditional Chinese culture introduced into religious venues).
On the same day, Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairman of TSPM, was invited to a lecture hall at New Grace Church in Yiwu, Zhejiang, explaining the connotation and main features of the sinicization of Christianity, said CCC&TSPM.
Besides emphasizing the study of the origins of the indigenization of Christianity in China, Xu introduced the practical experience of promoting Christianity in the Chinese context and the direction of future efforts for the sinicization of Christianity.
Pastor Xu also answered questions from the members of Yiwu CC&TSPM, sharing his reflection and practical experience in promoting the further contextualization of Christianity in China.
On April 14, the Qingjiangpu District CC&TSPM held a symposium to discuss how to further promote the sinicization of Christianity in the Qingjiangpu and enhance the churches’ adaption to socialist society, according to Huaian CC&TSPM.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
