On April 25, 2019, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby paid a visit to En'Guang Senior Citizens' Home that was established by the Shanghai Christian Council and Municipal Three -Self Association.
According to the WeChat account, "Shanghai Christianity", the delegation from the Church of England also included the Archbishop's wife Caroline Welby, David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, and Mr Stephen Knott, Assistant Chief of Staff.
Rev. Xu Yulan, chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Three-Self Association, welcomed the head of the Anglican Church's return trip to China.
Justin Welby said that senior care was a key ministry in the U.K. as the country saw a falling birth rate among the young people led to an increasing percentage of elderly people. Moreover, the economic and industrial growth resulted in massive migration which then caused the elderly stay far away from the previous social circle. Recalling his grandmother, the Anglican church leader said that elderly people should not fear aging and their contributions should not be forgotten by society. Convinced that China would encounter similar elderly care challenge, he added that China and England could learn from each other in the elderly ministry.
Cai Weiwei, president of the faith-based caring home, described the basic information of the organization to the delegation. Founded in 1999, the home, which is close to the Gospel Church, is a holistic elderly care organization that serves both Christian and non-Christian seniors.
After the meeting, Justin Welby had a talk with elderly residents.
- Translated by Karen Luo
