From October 15 to 16, 2024, the China-US Christian Fellowship, hosted by CCC&TSPM, successfully convened at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Christian Leadership Exchange, over 70 representatives from churches in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, as well as the US, Singapore, and Hong Kong SAR attended the fellowship.

On the evening of October 15, a banquet was held by CCC&TSPM to welcome the attendees of the China-US Christian Fellowship. Ms. Gu Jingqin, interim chief of the Overseas Relations Department of CCC&TSPM, was the moderator. She introduced and warmly welcomed the guests. Rev. Dr. Lin Manhong, vice president and general secretary of CCC, gave a welcome address. After welcoming the guests from home and abroad, Rev. Dr. Lin stressed the spirit of unity and cooperation, as well as the attitude and practice of mutual respect, openness, honesty and compliance with the law that contributed to friendly relationship. Representatives from both sides exchanged greetings and ideas in an amicable atmosphere.

The China-US Christian Fellowship opened at 9 a.m. on October 16. Mr. Gu Mengfei, secretary general of National TSPM, presided over the opening ceremony. The speakers were Rev. Xu Xiaohong, chairperson of National TSPM, Rev. Erik Burklin, president of China Partner, and Mr. Ed Ward, president of Evergreen Church. Rev. Xu Xiaohong thanked Dr. Danny Yu, President of CLE, for the great support to this event. Rev. Xu reminisced about the previous interaction between CCC&TSPM and CLE, and refuted the rumors fabricated by American politicians, such as religious persecution in China, falsification of the Bible, etc. Rev. Xu also expressed the willingness to strengthen communication between churches in both countries in order to foster the relationship.

Representing the American delegates, Rev. Erik Burklin and Mr. Ed Ward addressed respectively. They appreciated this chance of communication organized by CCC&TSPM, and the continuing efforts of CCC&TSPM for church exchanges in the two countries. They perceived the China-US Christian Fellowship as a good opportunity to listen to each other, learn from each other and seek future cooperation.

Rev. Wu Wei, president of CCC, and Mr. Fred Messick, vice president of Fuller Theological Seminary, gave keynote addresses respectively. Rev. Wu briefed on the basic status and current challenges of the Church in China, and the ministry of Chinanization of Christianity. After reviewing the history of interaction between the Christianity in China and the US, Rev. Wu looked forward to building a stronger bond of friendship through communication and sharing. It was hoped that the event could enable both sides to reach more consensus and seek a path for mutual growth so as to open a new phase of China-US Christian exchange.

Mr. Fred Messick gave an overview of the development and overall tendency of Christianity in the US, along with the challenges facing American churches.

Later, themed speeches were given on church ministry, social services, theological education and training, as well as publication and distribution. Each session was followed by active responses and in-depth discussion, fostering a deeper mutual understanding.

Rev. Dr. Lin Manhong hosted the closing ceremony. She reiterated the importance of exchanges between churches in China and the US. It was hoped that both sides could increase mutual understanding, deepen cooperation and achieve win-win situations through dialogue.

Among the speakers who gave closing speeches were Rev. Shan Weixiang, residential chairperson of National TSPM, Rev. Stephen Lee, the senior pastor of Saddleback Church, Hong Kong, and Dr. Paul Leung, board member of CLE. Rev. Shan Weixiang found the daylong event productive not only in deepening understanding and friendship, but also in listening to each other and spreading the message without disinformation, misunderstanding and distortion. Cross-Pacific exchanges such as reciprocal visits and candid communication were required between China and the US, said Rev. Shan. It was expected that churches in China and the US could make joint efforts in promoting the cooperation between the two countries. Rev. Shan hoped that the event would be a blessing to churches in the two countries and that the friendship could last forever. In their speeches, both Rev. Stephen Lee and Dr. Paul Leung again gave thanks to CCC&TSPM, expecting to continue the friendship and cooperation in the future.

Finally, both sides sang the hymn Psalm 133. The event ended with singing “God’s people live together in unity”.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng