Gu Mengfei, secretary-general of CCC&TSPM, said in his recent speech that it was necessary to adhere to the direction of the Sinicization of Christianity and build churches with Chinese characteristics.
In the 18th Qilu theological forum held by the Shandong CC&TSPM held on June 21, Gu gave a systematic introduction to the current situation of religion from the perspective of globalization with the title "Development Trends of the Universal Church and Reflections on the Sinicization of Christianity in China".
More than 300 members of the Shandong CC&TSPM, faculty, and all the teachers and students from various seminaries attended the forum, whose purpose was to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the Sinicization of Christianity among them and to further improve the construction of the Qilu theological system.
The speaker analyzed the evolution and distribution of Christianity from the perspective of history and the current situation.
As the integration of the gospel into the local culture was the basis for the healthy development of Christianity, it was necessary to adhere to the direction of the Sinicization of Christianity and build churches with Chinese characteristics, for it was related to whether it could occupy a place in the transformation of the universal church, Gu pointed out.
He suggested attendees hold high the banner of patriotism and love of Christianity and adhere to the principle of independent and self-run churches, in order to improve the overall quality of believers and resist the infiltration of heresies.
Chinese cultural elements should be integrated into the manifestations of beliefs to reflect national characteristics, as well as to contribute to the indigenization of the theology of the universal church.
He urged the participants to be the witness of Christ’s love by maintaining and enhancing unity, so as to adapt to the socialist society.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
