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Introduction of Lianghui

China Christian Council and the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China (TSPM) together are often referred as Lianghui (two organizations).

 

According to the historical record, Christianity was introduced to China for the first time from Persia in 635AD. Due to various historical, cultural, social and political reasons, Christianity did not take root in China. In the 19th century, Protestant Christianity was brought to China, but unfortunately it was associated with western colonialism and invasion, and was not accepted by Chinese civilians at that time due to political and cultural conflicts. Protestant Christianity was seen as a 'foreign religion'. Riots broke out in several areas throughout the country. The spread of the gospel was slow. During the 150 years from the introduction of Christianity in 1807 to the foundation of New China in 1949, there had been only 700,000 believers.

 

In 1950s, in order to change the image of Christianity as a foreign religion, Chinese Christians with a broad vision initiated the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. The principle of self-administration, self-support and self-evangelism quickly received a positive response from Chinese Christians. The first Chinese Christian national conference was held in Beijing in 1954. After that, the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China was set up. Its purpose was to unite and guide Chinese Christians to love the motherland, abide by the law, actively support and participate in the construction of socialism, adhere to the principle of independence and autonomy to better manage the Church in China. The Three-Self Patriotic Movement not only enables the Church in China to realize  self-administration, self-support and self-evangelism, but also attempts to make the church “three-wells”. (That is, administering well, supporting well and evangelizing it well)

 

In the spring of 1979, the Church in China resumed worship after the Cultural Revolution. In order to revive the church, China Christian Council was founded at the third national Christian conference in 1980. Its purpose was to unite the Christians throughout China according to the Bible teaching and develop church ministries as well as better manage the church by following the “Three-Self” Principles.

 

Since then, with the same pace of the development of Reform and Opening up, various ministries developed rapidly under the active encouragement, guidance, and elaborate service from CCC & TSPM. At present, over 60,000 churches and meeting points have been built. Christian population has reached 38 million. The numeber of the clergy is up to 1,4000 and there are 2,2000 full-time preachers. 22 theological seminaries and bible schools have been established throughout China. A large number of young and mid-aged church workers have stepped onto the important ministry positions and used by God.

 

The highest authority of CCC & TSPM is the national Christian conference, held once every five years to review the work of CCC & TSPM, as well as to elect the Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons, and Secretary General of the National Committee of the TSPM, and the President, Vice Presidents, and General Secretary of CCC. At present, the CCC/TSPM has 8 commissions and 7 departments.

 

CCC & TSPM endeavors to serve the construction of the church, lead Chinese Christians to grown on the path of truth, and encourage Christians to make contributions to the economic and social development of the nation. CCC & TSPM seeks to establish and develop fellowship with the churches and organizations at home and abroad which respect the “Three-Self” Principles of the Church in China on the basis of mutual understanding and equality, and to bear good witness for the Lord.


The address of the headquarters of CCC & TSPM is No. 219, Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (Postcode: 200002).