"When people talk about diakonia, they sometimes only think of charity or philanthropic work," Faria said. "But that is not all—diakonia is prophetic, it is political. We need to strive for a fair world that includes everyone, not one defined solely by economics."

Reflecting on 100 years of ecumenism, Jonson calls the movement "a blessing, all the work of the Holy Spirit." The churches have changed incredibly. "When we met in Stockholm now, there is so much friendship, spontaneity. People meet as friends," he said, "In 1925, they were all suspicious of each other."

“Diakonia today looks at how we meet the immediate needs of the people while also addressing the structural issues that cause people to live in injustice, struggle, poverty, and need,” Mtata said in an interview with China Christian Daily about the recent Ecumenical Week in Sweden.

One hundred years after the landmark Life and Work Conference of 1925, churches from across the world gathered again in Stockholm to mark a new chapter in the ecumenical journey. Rev. Dr. Sofia Camnerin, general secretary of the Christian Council of Sweden, spoke with China Christian Daily about the preparations, experiences during the week, and reflections on the theme, as well as the involvement of young people.

Chinese churches across the country marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, known in China as the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, with peace prayers and commemorative activities.

The Ministry of Veterans Affairs of China has released the fourth batch of 43 individuals and groups recognized as heroes for their contributions during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, with Scottish missionary Eric Liddell (1902–1945) among those honored.

At Stockholm’s “Called to Transformation” event, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Mtata reflected on a century of ecumenical diakonia, from the 1925 Life and Work conference to today. He highlighted key milestones and called for authentic partnerships, local agency, and renewed theological grounding to address contemporary humanitarian, social, and environmental challenges.

The Stockholm Conference of 1925, initiated by Archbishop Nathan Söderblom, served as a significant beginning for the modern ecumenical movement. Bishop Dr Jonas Jonson, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Strängnäs in the Church of Sweden, who has been actively involved in the life and work of the World Council of Churches (WCC) for more than 60 years, traced the history of how the WCC began decades before its official founding in 1948.

On August 8, a popular Chinese content creator, Shipindao, with over eight million followers on the video platform Bilibili, released a video about the Korean new religious movement Daesoon Jinrihoe. The video has garnered over eight million views, sparking heated discussions online. In its conclusion, the creator raised thought-provoking questions about religious regulation.

Guangzhou’s Guangxiao Church gathered more than 110 ministry leaders on Saturday for its fifth Core Servants’ Retreat, focusing on unity, discipleship, and strengthening the citywide church’s pastoral framework.