On the afternoon of July 5, 2023, Rev. Shen Xuebin, Residential Vice President of CCC, had a virtual meeting with Bishop David Urquhart, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Link with China. Both sides shared the recent developments in various ministries of the churches in two countries, and expressed the willingness to visit each other again and deepen exchange, cooperation and friendship.

Bishop David Urquhart brought greetings from the Archbishop of Canterbury. He said that he looked forward to the opportunity of face-to-face communication that could happen soon so as to learn more about the development of the Church in China and to enhance mutual friendship and cooperation. He shared the recent ministries of the Church of England, especially the emphasis on local community building and its concern for the social public life.

Rev. Shen Xuebin said that the Church in China has enjoyed a long term friendship with the Church of England. We hope that the traditional friendship can be carried on by the younger generations, and a warm welcome to the delegation of the COE is open. He introduced the main ministries currently carried out by Chinese Churches and the post-Covid challenges for the churches. The two sides also exchanged views on online and offline worship, preaching styles and Bible ministry.

Ms. Gu Jingqin, the interim chief of Overseas Relations Department of CCC&TSPM, and some other colleagues attended the virtual meeting.

Translated and edited by Bei Feng.