At the invitation of the German Bible Society and the French Bible Society, an eight-person delegation of Shaanxi CC&TSPM visited Germany and France from June 12 to 19, 2024.

On June 12, the delegation had discussions with Dr. Christoph Rösel, General Secretary of the German Bible Society, Mr. Horst Scheurenbrand, Head of World Vision of the German Bible Society, and Mr. Weiner, Director of the High Council of the Evangelical Church in Württemberg.

Staff of the German Bible Society introduced the development of the German Bible Society since its inception, highlighting their collaborative work with the Church in China regarding the publication of different versions of the Bible.

Mr. Weiner introduced pastoral care, management, and social services of local churches. Rev. Wang Jun then briefed on the social context of Shaanxi, the history of Shaanxi churches and the main work focuses of Shaanxi CC&TSPM, with special emphasis on the implications of the Chinanization of Christianity. The two sides also exchanged views on personnel training, media ministries, current challenges and responses, and interfaith dialogue, etc.

On the morning of June 17, the delegation met with Jonathan Boulet, General Secretary of the French Bible Society. Mr. Boulet shared the programs launched by the French Bible Society since its establishment, such as Bible translation and book publication. Rev. Wang Jun then mentioned the achievements made in Bible publication in China. They also discussed on Bible translation and exegesis, contemporary Christianity progress and changes, interfaith dialogue, etc.

During their visits to Germany and France, the delegation also visited local religious landmarks to gain deeper insights into the local religious activities, such as the Bibliorama (a Bible Museum in Stuttgart), the Frankfurt Cathedral, the Munich Frauenkirche, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, etc.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng