The China-US Christian Forum (2024), co-organized by CCC&TSPM and the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), was conducted at the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Chicago, Illinois, from August 28 to 29.
An 18-member Chinese Christian delegation, led by Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council (CCC) and president of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, attended the forum, said CCC&TSPM. The forum, themed "Opportunities and Challenges for Christianity in the Post-Pandemic Era," was attended by more than 40 participants from major Christian denominations, seminaries, and church organizations in the United States.
On the evening of August 27, the welcoming dinner hosted by the American side was presided over by Rev. Canon Bruce W. Woodcock, co-chairman of the APF. Rev. Wu Wei and ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton delivered speeches.
The following day, the opening ceremony was co-hosted by Rev. Lin Manhong, vice president and general secretary of CCC, and Ms. Patti Talbot, vice chair of APF. Remarks were made by the head of the State Administration for Religious Affairs Research Center, Rev. Wu Wei, and Rev. Woodcock.
In his speech, Wu mentioned that China and the U.S. Christian communities have witnessed many significant historical moments over the past few decades. He highlighted that American churches now have a clearer understanding of China's religious freedom policies and the Three-Self principle of Chinese churches—self-governance, self-support, and self-propagation of the gospel. The friendship and trust between the Christian communities of the two countries have also deepened. Wu emphasized that he hopes the forum will help the Christian communities of China and the U.S. reach more consensus and that the cooperation between the churches of both nations will have a brighter future, to leave a positive testimony in the global Christian community. Woodcock expressed that the forum not only built and deepened the relationship between the churches of China and the U.S. but also set a positive example for people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries. He also expressed hope that the forum would continue in the future to foster stronger exchanges between the churches of China and the U.S.
After the opening ceremony, Rev. Wu Wei and Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for the ELCA Division for Global Mission, delivered keynote speeches on the theme of "Retrospect and Prospect." Reverend Wu reviewed China's achievements over more than 40 years of reform and opening up and provided an overview of the development of the Chinese church, including efforts toward the indigenization of Christianity in China and future directions. He also elaborated on the extensive exchange and cooperation between the Christian communities of China and the U.S. Wu emphasized that while there are differences between China and the U.S. in terms of culture, history, and political systems, these differences should not hinder exchanges. Instead, both sides should seek common ground while respecting differences and learning from each other.
Padilla reflected on and testified to the rich history of exchange between the Christian communities of China and the U.S. She stressed that the forum serves not only as a platform for spiritual exchange but also as a window for cultural communication. She believes the unity of the Chinese church provides valuable lessons for the unity of the Universal Church.
The head of the State Administration for Religious Affairs Research Center stated that the forum will promote mutual understanding between the Christian communities of both nations and foster dialogue between the faith and academic communities. It will deepen the friendship between the Christian communities of China and the U.S., contributing positively to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.
Following the keynote speeches, 16 pastors and scholars from China and the U.S. delivered presentations on four sub-themes: education and talent cultivation, social care, research and publishing, and church ministry.
The closing ceremony was co-hosted by Gu Jingqin, interim chief of the overseas relationship department of CCC, and Rev. Franklin Ishida, ELCA program director for Asia and the Pacific.
Reverend Lin expressed her hope that the churches of China and the U.S. will strengthen their exchanges in the future and that the China-US Christian Forum could be a regular occurrence where real stories can be heard and shared so that Christians would not be misled by false information. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chan, the Area Director for East Asia and India with International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches, praised the positive role this event played in enhancing exchanges and renewing the church ministries of China and North America and suggested more productive exchanges and forums be held in the future.
At the closing luncheon, Rev. Geng Weizhong, vice president of CCC, expressed gratitude to the American churches for their warm reception and thoughtful arrangements, congratulating the forum on its successful conclusion.
