LSTC Welcomes Chinese Delegation for Global Church Exchange

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), along with several ecumenical partners, hosted a significant visit from a delegation representing the China Christian Council (CCC) and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church. This delegation included top leaders from the Chinese church as well as representatives from regional expressions, providing an important opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue and an exchange of ideas about the life and mission of the global church.

A key highlight of the delegation’s visit was their stop in Chicago, where they expressed interest in visiting theological seminaries. The leadership of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, McCormick Theological Seminary, and Catholic Theological Union showcased the unique collaborative model that these institutions have cultivated. 

This visit was an opportunity for the Chinese delegation to see firsthand how the co-located seminaries are reshaping theological education for the future with a focus on new modalities of learning, the efficient sharing of resources, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in pastoral training and theological scholarship.

LSTC and its ecumenical partners are proud to have been part of this important dialogue, and the visit served as a reminder of the powerful possibilities that arise when the global church comes together to share its experiences, wisdom, and vision for the future.

Members of the delegation from the China Christian Council and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China included:

• Rev. Wu Wei, President, China Christian Council; President, Nanjing Union Theological Seminary
• Rev. Dr. Lin Manhong, Residential Vice President and General Secretary, China Christian Council
• Rev. Geng Weizhong, Residential Vice President, China Christian Council
• Rev. Pan Xingwang, Vice President, China Christian Council; Chairperson, Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in Zhejiang Province
• Rev. Xu Yulan, Vice Chairperson, National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China; Chairperson, Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in Shanghai
• Elder Shi Aijun, Vice Chairperson, National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China; Chairperson, Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in Liaoning Province
• Rev. Shao Shan, General Secretary, Heilongjiang Christian Council
• Rev. Hai Jinhua, General Secretary, Yunnan Christian Council
• Dr. Zhang Xinyu, Director, Theological Research Office, Fujian Theological Seminary
• Rev. Yu Yin, Lecturer, Zhejiang Theological Seminary; Ph.D. Candidate, Nanjing Union Theological Seminary
• Ms. Gu Jingqin, Interim Chief, Overseas Relations Department, CCC&TSPM
• Ms. Zhou Xiaoyan, Secretary, Overseas Relations Department, CCC&TSPM
• Mr. Zhang Xunmou, Director, Religious Research Center, National Religious Affairs Administration
• Mr. Song Mingjun, Section Chief of Christianity Division, Religious Services Bureau, National Religious Affairs Administration
• Prof. Xu Yihua, Professor and Director of Academic Committee, School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University
• Prof. Tang Xiaofeng, Deputy Director and Researcher, Institute of World Religions, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Executive Vice President and General Secretary, China Religious Society
• Prof. Meng Zhenhua, Director and Professor, Institute for Jewish and Israel Studies, Nanjing University
• Ms. Zheng Wei, Assistant General Secretary, Amity Foundation