On April 11, 2024, Ms. Elaine Duncan, Chair of the UBS Fellowship and CEO of the Scottish Bible Society, and 12 other delegates visited CCC&TSPM. The delegation was received by Rev. Xu Xiaohong, Chairperson of National TSPM, Rev. Shan Weixiang, Residential Vice Chairperson of National TSPM, Rev. Geng Weizhong, Residential Vice President of CCC, Rev. Hao Zhiqiang, Associate Secretary General of National TSPM and Editor-in-chief of Tianfeng, etc. Both sides reviewed their previous interactions and exchanged ideas on Bible publishing, Bible translation, personnel training, and so forth. Rev. Shan Weixiang was the moderator of the meeting.

Representing CCC&TSPM, Rev. Xu Xiaohong welcomed the revisit of the UBS delegates. Rev. Xu noted the role of UBS as an active participant throughout the course of Bible ministry in China. Over the years, the demand for Bibles for Chinese churches has shifted from quantity to quality. Efforts made to combat challenges to paper Bibles include adopting Chinese elements and novelty designs, etc. In view of the heresies facing the Church in China, Rev. Xu also stressed the importance of higher quality personnel and correct Bible teaching. Besides, Rev. Xu shared the ongoing Bible translation ministry, expecting a faithful version of translation that meets the requirements of the times with the assistance of UBS. He also refuted the rumors that the Church in China modified the Bible in China, which is complete nonsense.

Ms. Elaine Duncan was delighted to make another visit to CCC&TSPM, and the exchange could help sustain mutual friendship. The good partnership between UBS and the Church in China has a long history of mutual help and support. In such a fast-growing and ever-changing global situation, it is expected that the cooperation between the two sides could go deeper. Ms. Duncan also expressed her gratitude for this opportunity for open and candid dialogue.

Rev. Geng Weizhong said that the cooperation between the two sides has reached a further stage, and there are also many mutual concerns ahead, such as future ways of deepening cooperation, training for Bible translation, etc. Rev. Geng also extended his gratitude for UBS’s long-term support of the Bible ministry of the Church in China.

The delegates also visited the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Grace Telling Bookshop. Ms. Gu Jingqin, the interim chief of the Overseas Relations Department, and Ms. Ma Peijie, staff from the Media Department, and others also participated in this reception.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng