CCC&TSPM hosted a delegation of 53 members from the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China (HKCCCC). This marked the first time that China's registered church leaders received a visiting group since the election of the new leadership on December 21, 2023.
Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairman of TSPM, discussed the major work of CCC&TSPM in recent years on December 27, focusing on advancing the sinicization of Christianity, comprehensive and strict church governance, and talent cultivation. He highlighted that the 11th National Chinese Christian Conference recently passed "Outline of the Five-Year Work Plan for Further Advancing the Sinicization of Christianity (2023-2027)", aiming to meet the diverse needs of believers by nurturing staff members who are proficient both in classic doctrines and Chinese traditional culture.
Rev. Ka Fai Wong, general secretary of the HKCCCC, emphasized that the HKCCCC is a Protestant Christian church organization. Apart from organizing worship services, it also operates middle schools, primary schools, and kindergartens. They value the integration of faith with traditional Chinese culture, focusing on contextual theological thinking and interpreting faith from a Chinese perspective.
During the meeting, Rev. Shan Weixiang, vice chairman of TSPM, stated that they promote healthy church development through a focus on theological education and effective media work. He mentioned the continuous improvement of the infrastructure of theological seminaries in mainland China in recent years, the enhancement of faculty strength, and an increase in the academic qualifications of enrolled students. However, there have been some challenges, including a decline in the number of applicants due to the pandemic. In media-related activities, CCC&TSPM focuses on the development of integrated media and the editing and publication of the Bible and other spiritual books. Next, the visiting delegation proceeded to Suzhou for further exchanges and visits.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
