On the morning of November 17, 2025, a five-member delegation from the World Council of Churches (WCC), led by Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, Moderator of its central committee, and General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, visited CCC&TSPM. They were received by Rev. Xu Xiaohong, Chairperson of National TSPM, Rev. Wu Wei, President of CCC, Rev. Dr Lin Manhong, Vice President and General Secretary of CCC, and other colleagues. Rev. Xu Yulan, Vice Chairperson of National TSPM and Chairperson of Shanghai TSPM, also attended this meeting.

Rev. Dr Lin Manhong moderated the meeting. Rev. Xu Xiaohong welcomed the WCC delegation, expressing appreciation for its commitment and efforts in promoting church unity. Rev. Xu emphasized that the long-standing friendship between the Church in China and WCC is built upon a shared consensus on church unity.

Rev. Wu Wei stated that WCC is the only international Christian organization which the Church in China has officially joined. Currently, the Church in China has representatives who are members of the WCC central committee, executive committee, and several other committees. Rev. Wu underscored that the active participation and good relationship between the Church in China and WCC are based on WCC’s consistent respect for the One-China Principle, which is expected to continue. Later, Rev. Wu briefed on the Christianity in China, the historical context of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, along with other important ministries such as the further contextualization of Christianity, the Reconstruction of Theological Thinking, theological personnel training, and church administration in accordance with laws and regulations.

Rev. Xu Yulan introduced the work of the churches in Shanghai in four areas: practical explorations in the Chinanization of Christianity, talent development, foreign-language worship services, and public welfare and social services.

The delegates expressed gratitude for the invitation and warm hospitality from CCC. Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay noted that WCC was established in the post-World War II era as an international Christian organization, with the goal of fostering church unity. Against the backdrop of a dividing global church, the Church in China’s consistent adherence to church unity is admirable. Rev. Prof. Dr Pillay reiterated WCC’s respect for the One-China Principle. The Church in China’s practices in advancing church unity and conducting united worship services provided valuable insights for the ecumenical church.

During the meeting, the delegation expressed their concerns about the participation of youth in the church, the relationship between theological education and national education, church management, rules and regulations, etc.

Following a short stay in Shanghai, the delegation proceeded to Nanjing to visit Nanjing Union Theological Seminary and to attend the event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Amity Foundation.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng