The Yong'en Church in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, held a dedication ceremony, setting up the first management organization that exercises democratic management.
According to the Shanghai CC&TSPM, Yong'en Church held a thanksgiving service for its dedication on October 25, with about 300 attendees, including leaders from the municipal government and CC&TSPM, as well as pastoral staff and congregants from across the city.
During the service, Rev. Yu Guangzhi, chairperson of the Shanghai Christian Council, delivered a sermon titled "A New Commandment," citing John 13:34–35. Pastor Yu emphasized that the church is not only represented by physical structures but also through congregations that love one another, maintain a connection to Christ, serve society, and exemplify the teachings of the Lord.
Following the sermon, the Yong'en Church Choir and the Hong'en Church Choir each performed hymns of praise.
Yong'en Church established the inaugural democratic management organization for religious venues, in alignment with the municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau's functional roles as "a platform for talent development," "a platform for international exchange," "a platform for innovative management," and "a platform to demonstrate practice."
The foundation of Yong'en Church in Pudong New District, Shanghai, was laid in January 2017 and completed in October 2018. It started trial operations in July 2024 and officially opened on October 25, 2024. The church covers an area of 2,027 square meters, with a total construction area of 2,675 square meters. The main chapel has a capacity of 600, while the auxiliary hall can accommodate 200. Designed by the renowned architectural team Abalos+Sentkiewicz AS+, the structure resembles a white pebble and an ark setting sail from different views.
