On August 8, the Shenzhen Seminar on the Sinicization of Christianity and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Shenzhen Christian History Development Exhibition Hall were held at the Training Center of the Shenzhen CC&TSPM to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the launch of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China.
Hosted by the Shenzhen CC&TSPM, the opening and the inauguration ceremony were presided over by Rev. Ye Dongsheng, president of Shenzhen CC. Pastor Cai Bosheng, the chairperson of Shenzhen TSPM, delivered a welcome speech and accompanied the leading guests to visit the Shenzhen Christian History Development Exhibition Hall.
With the topic of "The Era Background and Historical Mission of the Sinicization of Christianity," Professor Xu Yihua from Fudan University in Shanghai explained the rich connotation of the sinicization of Christianity from the four dimensions of politics, religion, academia, and international affairs. He particularly pointed out that the sinicization of Christianity is an "upgraded version of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement" and called on the church to strengthen political identification and deepen the construction of theological thought in the "great changes unseen in a century."
In the keynote speech session, Rev. Geng Weizhong, resident vice-president of the China Christian Council, shared the topic "From Self-Governance and Good Governance to Strict Governance—The Sinicized Road of Self-Management of the Chinese Christian Church," and Professor You Bin from Minzu University of China interpreted the "Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the Sinicization of Christianity" from the historical dimension.
In the practical exchange session between Shenzhen and Shanghai, Rev. Ye Dongsheng shared the exploration achievements of the Shenzhen church in promoting sinicization through various practices such as calligraphy, painting, and photography exhibitions; the localization of sacred music; serving the society; blood donation; and public welfare and charity. At the same time, through the characteristic measures such as the "Three Centers and One Exhibition Hall," he shared the practical process of the Shenzhen church's exploration in the sinicization of Christianity.
Rev. Zhang Aili, vice chairperson of Shanghai CC and secretary-general of Shanghai CC&TSPM, introduced the practices of Christianity in Shanghai, the birthplace of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China, in terms of theological thought construction, the construction of the group itself, and talent cultivation.
- Translated by Oliver Zuo
