Following the visit to Guangdong CC&TSPM from November 29 to December 1, 2023, Rev. Eric Tong Wing-mun, chairman of the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong, embarked on visits to CCC&TSPM and the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary.
According to CCC&TSPM, on January 17, at the station of CCC&TSPM, Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council (CCC), reviewed the history of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, including a brief on the churches' decades of efforts to eliminate the impression that Christianity is a "foreign religion" among Chinese people, as well as explaining the concept and goals of sinicization of Christianity. He said that the churches in mainland China and Hong Kong share the same Chinese cultural background with similarities despite the differences, and he anticipates further exchanges. Rev. Tong also addressed the Hong Kong churches' attempts to eliminate the impression of "foreign religion" and adapt to societal development, with the hope of further exchanges and deeper cooperation in the future.
Rev. Shan Weixiang, vice president of the national TSPM, introduced the departmental structure of the CCC&TSPM, the development of various ministries, as well as the current challenges. Rev. Dr. Lee Kwok-hung, general secretary of the Baptist Convention of Hong Kong, shared the ministries in the organization. The two parties also discussed church pastoral care, talent nurturing, and the challenges after the pandemic.
According to Jinling Theological Seminary, on January 18, the delegation extended a visit to the national theological seminary. Rev. Chen Bin, vice president of the college, thanked the Hong Kong Baptist Convention for its care and prayers over the years. Chen briefly introduced the history of the college, the current school situation, and the research results of "Jinling Theology on the Sinicization of Christianity."
The delegation inquired about the development of theological education and the destination of graduates, engaging in discussions with the students and faculty of the seminary.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
