A symposium celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Christian Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee was held in Shanghai.
As a host of the meeting, President Rev. Wu Wei of the China Christian Council (CCC) stated that the establishment of the National Committee of TSPM 70 years ago achieved organizational independence and church autonomy on August 6, said CCC&TSPM.
The organization said that TSPM provided organizational assurance for promoting the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, adhering to the direction of the sinicization of Christianity in China, and adapting to a socialist society. Wu emphasized the need to adhere to the three-self principle of self-governance, self-support, and self-propagation, play the role of the Three-Self Patriotic organizations as a bridge in the new era, and promote Christianity in the Chinese context.
Chairman Rev. Xu Xiaohong of the National TSPM delivered a keynote speech titled “Playing the Leading Role of TSPM in the New Journey and Systematically Advancing the Sinicization of Christianity.” He shared that over the past 70 years, the National TSPM has realized the Chinese church's sovereignty, which enabled the Chinese church to conduct united worship and move towards unity. It has fostered a governance model for CCC&TSPM that aligns with China’s national, social, and church conditions and ensures the correct direction of Christianity in China.
The 20th CPC Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session proposed a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, referring to systematically promoting the sinicization of religions in our country and strengthening the rule of law framework in the administration of religious affairs. Rev. Xu emphasized the construction of TSPM, which is considered a foundational project, and the consolidation of the organizational foundation for running churches according to the Three-Self principles.
Speeches were delivered by diverse representatives, including Chairman Rev. Xu Yulan of Shanghai TSPM, Chairman Rev. Wu Weiqing of Beijing TSPM, President Rev. Guo Yun of the Guangdong Christian Council; former Deputy General Secretary Rev. Bao Jiayuan of CCC, Professor Xu Yihua from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University, and Zhang Zhongxin, a student from Nanjing Union Theological Seminary. They reviewed the patriotic and religious history of TSPM over the past 70 years and analyzed the historical situation and contemporary mission of Christianity in China. He affirmed the significant development in academic research and theological education and shared work experiences and plans from varied local TSPMs.
After the meeting, attendees visited the former residence of Y.T. Wu or Wu Yao-Tsung, who once worked in the National Council of YMCAs & YWCAs of China, the Fitch Memorial Church in Shanghai, and the Memorial Hall of the League of Left-wing Writers for further learning and exchange.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
