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At the start of a weeklong visit to China hosted by the China Christian Council and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, highlighted the unique contribution of Chinese Christians to the ecumenical movement. "As a post-denominational church, you are in a class of your own, and we want to learn more from you," Kobia said. Appreciation was expressed by Presbyter Ji Jianhong, chair of the National Committee of Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China, for Kobia's "recognition of the Three-Self principle that characterizes the way Christians relate in China." In respect to the challenges facing the China Christian Council, Kobia lifted up "the challenge to 'self-communicate' rather than allowing others to interpret the story of the church in China". He also suggested consideration of three additional "self" principles: self-understanding, self-representation and self-articulation.
"The church is now rooted in Chinese history," said Rev. Cao Shengjie, president of the China Christian Council (CCC), which has been a member of the WCC since 1991. In his response Kobia reflected that "in many parts of the world, the roots of Christianity haven't gone down deep enough. We are learning, here, what it means for Christianity to be rooted in the soil rather than in a clay pot. You have broken the clay pot and now the roots of Christianity are really deeply planted in the soil."
In Nanjing the WCC delegation met with Bishop K. H. Ting, whom Dr. Kobia described as a "living ecumenical ancestor," one of a few rare individuals who are revered, respected and loved within the wider ecumenical movement. Affirming the WCC's commitment to being in solidarity with the Christian Council of China, Dr. Kobia said, "We are here to say that the WCC is prepared to accompany the continuing process of theological reconstruction that you have already so well begun to articulate in China."
Kobia addressed the issue of "Ecumenism in the 21st century: common witness in a globalized, but deeply divided world" in a public lecture at the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary on Nov. 17.
Kobia said he was "impressed by the way in which China eradicates poverty," and wondered "how this example could be replicated in the countries whose efforts are less successful." "Could churches in China raise the issue of poverty eradication both within China and with regard to China's role in global trade?" Kobia challenged. Following his formal remarks, Kobia engaged in a lively exchange with students on the role of evangelism in the ecumenical movement.
In a visit to the headquarters of the Amity Foundation in Nanjing, the WCC delegation learned about Amity's pioneering efforts in empowering people-centered, sustainable development through the ecumenical sharing of resources. "We believe in what you do," Kobia said in response to a spirited briefing on the work of the Foundation, whose president is Bishop K. H. Ting. "You have been a very effective instrument in helping churches in China see that what is preached is translated into the real lives of people." On November 18, members of the delegation visited the Amity Printing Press, a joint venture between the Amity Foundation and the United Bible Societies. Over the last two decades 42 million Bibles have been printed for distribution in China.
The delegation also met with leaders of China's main religions: Mr. Chen, president of the China Islam Council; Mr. Liu Bai Nian, Catholic Patriotic Association, chair of the Catholic Council of China; Mr. Huang, vice president of the China Taoist Association; and Mr. Chuan-Yin, from the Beijing Buddhist Association. The encounter was hosted by the Beijing Christian Council, and national, regional and local representatives of the China Christian Council and Three-Self Patriotic Movement also participated. Kobia stressed the importance of addressing the fact that religion can easily be used as a source, or intensifier, of conflict. He noted that it was important to recognize the common values all religions share—such as peace, care for creation, justice for all people, and seeking quality of life for the more vulnerable in our societies.
The WCC delegation held a press conference on November 21, after meeting with top Chinese government officials, including the chair of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Jia Qinglin and Mr. Ye Xiaowen, director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs. Kobia affirmed that "it is in the best interests of the government to actually expand the space for the practice of religion." The WCC general secretary said he had been impressed by the way in which Christian communities are growing in the country, and by the enabling a safe environment in which Christians practise their faith.
The ecumenical delegation accompanying the WCC general secretary on his visit to China was composed of Rev. Dr. Tyrone Pitts (WCC Central Committee member, general secretary of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, USA); Rev. Dr. Seong-Won Park (WCC Central Committee member, from the Presbyterian Church of Korea, South Korea); Rev. Fr. Gabriel Papanicolaou (ecumenical officer of the Church of Greece); Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, (WCC Asia secretary) and, as consultants, Dr. Monika Gaenssbauer (director of the China Study Project of the Protestant churches and mission agencies in Germany) and Rev. Deborah DeWinter (WCC programme executive for the United States).
For further details, please vist the WCC Web and read the following articles.
Kobia discusses China's vision of "harmonious society" and the role of religion in building it with top government official
WCC delegation discusses China's religious policies with government officials
Kobia calls for poverty eradication, common witness in a globalized, deeply divided world
"Revered, respected and loved"
Kobia pays tribute to Bishop K. H. Ting as "living ecumenical ancestor"
WCC delegation visits rural church,
meets with local pastors, leaders of Shanghai Christian Council
"When we think about Chinese Christians, we think about the future," Kobia says
WCC general secretary to visit People's Republic of China |
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