From August 26 to September 4, a Chinese Christian delegation composed of 18 representatives from the political, religious, and academic sectors visited the United States, led by Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council (CCC) and president of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary.
The delegation participated in the China-US Christian Forum (2024), co-organized by CCC&TSPM and the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), which comprises leaders of the Asian departments of mainstream denominations from the United States, Canada, and Australia, reported CCC&TSPM. Following the forum, the delegation visited seminaries, churches, and church organizations in Chicago, Charlotte, and Atlanta.
This visit marks the first official group visit to the U.S. by the China Christian Council and National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (CCC&TSPM) since 2016.
Upon arrival in Chicago, they first visited Saint Luke Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the diverse ministries of which feature serving different age groups were learned by the Chinese delegation. In response to questions, the delegation introduced China's policy on religious freedom and the TSPM church’s post-denominational unity, as Chinese churches are walking in unity.
From August 28 to 29, the China-US Christian Forum (2024) themed "Opportunities and Challenges for Christianity in the Post-Pandemic Era," featured keynote speeches and presentations on four sub-themes: education and talent cultivation, social care, research and publishing, and church ministry. Following the forum, the delegation visited seminaries, churches, and church organizations in Chicago, Charlotte, and Atlanta.
After the China-US Christian Forum (2024), the delegation visited the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and McCormick Theological Seminary. Since 2022, these three seminaries have been engaged in joint school operations, sharing the same building, faculty, courses, library, and other resources.
During their visit to Charlotte, the delegation toured the headquarters of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), the Billy Graham Library, and the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center. At a dinner speech, Rev. Wu Wei reflected on the friendship between the Chinese Church and BGEA, expressing gratitude for their hospitality.
At the China Ministry Forum co-sponsored by the Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church in the USA on August 31, the Chinese delegation was joined by over 50 American participants, including Presbyterian pastors, elders, co-workers, and lay leaders who have a deep interest in the church in China. The Chinese delegates shared insights into the ministries of churches in Shanghai, Christian social service in China, theological education, and academic studies on Christianity in China.
After the forum, some Chinese delegates participated in an adult Sunday school lesson at Westminster Presbyterian Church on September 1. Chairperson Pan Xingwang of Zhejiang TSPM, Dr. Zhang Xinyu from Fujian Theological Seminary, and Rev. Yu Yin, a Ph.D. student at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, shared their experiences of being called, providing an overview of the seminaries where they work and study.
While in Atlanta on September 1 and 2, the delegation met the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church (GBGM-UMC) and the Foundation for Theological Education in Asia and the Pacific (FTEAP). Bishop Hee-soo Jung, president of GBGM-UMC, welcomed the delegation online, while Secretary General Roland Fernandes of GBGM-UMC and other staff workers welcomed them in person. Rev. Wu Wei expressed his appreciation to the team for hosting the delegation during the Labor Day holiday. He recounted that in response to the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chinese Christians proposed the "three-self principles" of self-governance, self-support, and self-propagation, saying over 40 years of reform and opening up have brought tremendous changes to China. He emphasized that "Chinese Christians are committed to following the path of sinicizing Christianity, walking alongside the people." Both sides introduced the current state of their church ministries, affirming the importance of ongoing exchanges.
Rev. Dr. David Esterline, chair of FTEAP, also welcomed the delegation, and Rev. Dr. Wati Longchar, executive director of FTEAP, introduced its related ministries. The delegation expressed a desire to continue friendly exchanges and cooperation, while also reminding FTEAP to continue respecting the One China principle.
