CCC&TSPM hosted a delegation from the China Graduate School of Theology (CGST) in Hong Kong, discussing theological education and the contextualization of Christianity in China.
During the meeting on May 9, Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairman of the China Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), shared the CCC&TSPM’s ministry advancements and plans for the sinicization of Christianity, said CCC&TSPM.
Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council (CCC), introduced new challenges faced by churches in mainland China regarding church pastoral care and theological education after the epidemic.
Rev. Bernard Wong, president of CGST, offered insights into recent developments within the school’s ministries, encouraging the faculty to deepen their understanding of churches and theological education on the Chinese mainland.
Pastor Wu noted that the sinicization of Christianity aims to strengthen theoretical research and practical exploration, integrate with traditional Chinese culture, and keep pace with social development.
Pastor Zhang Zhicong, academic dean of CGST, introduced integrated curriculum reforms grounded in contextualized thinking, emphasizing a shift from "theologian and pastor" to "reflective collaborator."
Drawing upon Paul's missionary philosophy and his preaching in Athens, Xu emphasized that the indigenization of Christianity in China would not change the doctrine but remove the colonial influences to return to the faith’s essence. Pastor Wong shared that this issue was not unique to Chinese churches but also affected other Asian churches. He underscored the importance of living out one’s faith in contemporary times.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
