The China-U.S. Christian Fellowship convened in Shanghai, fostering friendship and collaboration between the Christian communities from both countries.
From October 15 to 16, the China Christian Council & the National Committee of Three-Self Patriotic Movement (CCC&TSPM) hosted the event at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Shanghai, with over 70 representatives from churches in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, Shanghai, Hong Kong, the United States, and Singapore attending. The gathering also marked the 30th anniversary of the Christian Leadership Exchange (CLE) in the United States.
On the evening of October 15, CCC&TSPM hosted a welcoming banquet for the attending representatives, presided over by Ms. Gu Jingqin, chief of the Overseas Relations Department. Rev. Lin Manhong, vice president and general secretary of the CCC, welcomed the guests from China and abroad. In her remarks, she emphasized the significance of unity and collaboration in sharing and communicating with the Lord, along with the need for mutual respect, openness, honesty, and adherence to laws and regulations in friendly exchanges.
On the morning of October 16, during the opening ceremony, Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairperson of the TSPM, reflected on the history of exchanges with the Christian Leadership Exchange. He also addressed and refuted false claims made by certain American politicians, who have spread rumors of religious persecution and Bible tampering to discredit and undermine China.
Rev. Erik Burklin, president of China Partner, and Mr. Ed Ward, chairman of the board of directors of Evergreen Family Services, viewed the exchange meeting as a valuable opportunity to share perspectives, learn from one another, and explore possibilities for future collaboration.
Rev. Wu Wei, president of the CCC, provided an overview of the current state of churches in China, the challenges they face, and the sinicization of Christianity. He reflected on the history of Sino-U.S. Christian exchanges, hoping this sharing session would mark a new chapter in the relationship between the two Christian communities.
Mr. Fred Messick, former vice president of Fuller Theological Seminary, outlined the development of Christianity in the United States, highlighting overall trends and the challenges currently faced by American churches. Rev. Bruce Woodcock, partnership officer for Asia and the Pacific of the Episcopal Church, provided an overview of his church’s history and current status.
Following these introductions, both sides delivered keynote speeches on four sub-topics: church ministry, social services, theological education and training, and publishing and distribution. The Chinese speakers represented the national, provincial, and municipal CC&TSPMs in China, including those from Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces, along with the national theological seminary and the Amity Foundation. After each presentation, both sides engaged in responses and discussions.
Concluding the meeting, Rev. Lin Manhong emphasized the significance of exchanges between Chinese and American churches. Rev. Shan Weixiang, the vice chairperson of the national TSPM, noted that this exchange meeting could potentially overcome false information and move beyond malicious misunderstandings and misinterpretations. He stressed the need for mutual visits and open communication between China and the United States. Pastor Shan further anticipated that the two churches would foster Sino-US cooperation and that this session would bless both congregations.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Lee, senior pastor of Saddleback Church in Hong Kong, and Dr. Paul Leung, a member of the CLE Board of Directors, expressed their gratitude to CCC&TSPM, hoping for ongoing friendship and cooperation between the two parties.
