WCC delegation visits rural church, meets with local pastors, leaders of Shanghai Christian Council

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On the second day of a 15-22 November World Council of Churches (WCC) visit to China, general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia characterized Christianity in the country as being "rooted in the soil", and suggested that the WCC's member church in the country needs to interpret itself and the story of the church in China.

"Until we see how people live in a rural situation, we really can't get to know what a country is all about," Kobia told a group of more than a thousand parishioners gathered at the Qian Deng Church, built on land provided by the local government in rural Kunshan.

Despite heavy rains on their second day in China, Kobia and members of the WCC delegation were warmly welcomed by a colourful brass band and throngs of well-wishers waiting on the steps of the newly built church.

The delegation was also given an overview of the dramatic transformation of the area's 2,500-year agrarian history by the local pastor, who described the impact of the newly developed industrialized society on the lives of the people in nearby Suzhou city.

The delegation later visited Suzhou Industrial Park, recognized as one of the fastest-growing industrial development zones in the world, where a joint venture of Chinese and Singapore governments and multi-national corporations are trying to reap the benefits of globalization.

Rooted in Chinese soil and history

Earlier in the day, Kobia met with local pastors and the leadership and staff of the Shanghai Christian Council, who credited the phenomenal growth of the church in China to its close identification with the Chinese people.

"The church is now rooted in Chinese history," said Rev. Cao Shengjie, president of the China Christian Council (CCC), which is a member of the WCC since 1991. Cao also made a favourable assessment of the current situation of her church in comparison with its experience in the past.

While in 1949 there were 700,000 Christians in China, today members of congregations that make up the CCC number 16 million, and belong to more than 55,000 local churches, with 18 seminaries and Bible schools, and some 2,700 ordained pastors and associate pastors.

"In many parts of the world," Kobia reflected, "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."

Responsibilities and challenges

Kobia noted, however, that the phenomenal growth of Christian congregations brings with it a great responsibility in society. "This phenomenal growth is observable to the whole world, because China is developing into a major global power. How will that shape the challenge of the churches' witness?"

Local Shanghai area pastors emphasized that in this post-denominational period, the focus has been on what Christians have in common, while still recognizing and respecting differences. "Because we are reconciled with God, we should have good relations with other people. Striving for harmony and unity has always been an important part of Chinese tradition."

Among the challenges facing the CCC, church leaders in Shanghai mentioned the concern to meet the needs of the growing churches, particularly pastoral care for younger intellectuals who are expressing interest in Christianity. Some 42% of Christians belonging to the CCC are now under the age of 40 as compared with 28% just a few years ago.

Given the growing influence of the market economy in China, local church leaders also expressed concern about the temptations of power and wealth, and the need to emphasize Christian ethics in society. "Man does not live by bread alone," said Cao. "To be light and salt in the world, to glorify God and benefit the people" is a popular saying among Christians in China.

In respect to the challenges facing the CCC, 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.

For additional information about the visit see also:

Press release of 13 November 2006

Press release of 16 November 2006

More detailed visit programme outline

Free high resolution photos

Presentation by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia on "New visions and challenges to ecumenism in the 21st century" at a meeting with ministers of the Shanghai Christian Council/TSPM on 16 November 2006