On September 22, CCC&TSPM convened a symposium in Shanghai to mark the 75th anniversary of the launch of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) of the Protestant Church in China and the 110th anniversary of the birth of Bishop K. H. Ting.
According to CCC&TSPM, Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairperson of the national TSPM, reviewed the 75-year history and significance of the movement in his address. He noted that the launch of the TSPM marked the emergence of Chinese Christianity freed from its foreign image, and that its progress has been deepened through the development of theological reflection and the practice of the Sinicization of Christianity.
Over the past 75 years, the movement has shaped the distinctive features of the Chinese church: independence, denominational unity, patriotism, and faithfulness, encouraging Christians to embrace patriotism and actively contribute to building a socialist society. Rev. Xu paid tribute to pioneers such as Y. T. Wu and K. H. Ting, stressing that upholding and advancing the spirit of the TSPM is a core principle essential to the flourishing of Christianity in China. He urged church leaders to run the church by the law, uphold independence, strengthen unity, and play a leading role in the new era.
In his remarks, Rev. Wu Wei, president of CCC, reflected on the life of Bishop Ting, describing him as an outstanding patriotic religious leader, an influential social activist, and a close friend of the Communist Party of China. He highlighted Bishop Ting's steadfast patriotism and political stance, his leadership in adapting Christianity to socialist society, his pioneering work in the Sinicization of Christianity, and his emphasis on social service, particularly through the founding of the Amity Foundation, which advanced the theological transition from "personal salvation" to "social concern." Rev. Wu also underscored Bishop Ting's lasting contributions to the development of Christian theological thought in China, encouraging participants to carry forward his spirit of fraternity and devotion to mission.
Following the speeches, attendees shared their reflections. A pastor from Shanghai highlighted the city's role as the birthplace of the TSPM and its enduring mission. A pastor from Nanjing Union Theological Seminary reviewed Bishop Ting's significant contributions to theological education. Meanwhile, a pastor from Shandong spoke on the province's role as host of the historic 1998 "Jinan Conference," the Sixth Plenary Session of the TSPM, and the Second Plenary Session of the Fourth Committee of the CCC, and how the province has advanced healthy church development through its three-tier theological seminar system spanning province, city, and county levels.
