Representatives from TSPM churches in China participated in the Fourth Global Gathering of the Global Christian Forum (GCF4) in Ghana.
From April 15 to 20, the Fourth Global Gathering of the Global Christian Forum convened in Accra, the capital of Ghana, attracting 240 delegates from 60 different countries.
Gu Mengfei, secretary-general of the national committee of TSPM, Rev. Huang Tianhua from the Guangdong Union Theological Seminary, and Du Peng from the CCC&TSPM’s Theological Education Department were invited to attend the gathering, said CCC&TSPM.
The opening ceremony was held at the Accra Ridge Church, an inter-denominational Christian center. In her opening remarks, Rev. Lydia Neshangwe, president of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and moderator of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), drew on the stories of Barnabas and Paul to urge the attendees to join in bearing witness to Christ together.
The event focused on "That the World May Know" (John 17:23), with representatives from various denominations participating in group discussions. Participants highlighted that the world recognized Christ not only from the words of Christians but also from their actions. Representatives from Chinese churches recounted the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, with testimony to the unity of Chinese Christians and updates on the progress and background of the sinicization of Christianity. Delegates from different denominations appreciated the unity within the Chinese church along with their desire to understand the development of Christianity in China further, CCC&TSPM added.
The GCF4 called on Christians to experience and embody God's forgiveness, justice, healing, restoration, grace, and redemption with humility and courage. As part of the event, the organizers arranged a visit to Cape Coast Castle to learn about the history of the slave trade and feel the despair of millions of enslaved Africans. Following this, there was a prayer meeting conducted at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral of the city to reflect Christ's teachings on lament, healing, and reconciliation. Participants prayed for peace, justice, and unity, aiming to witness the image of God in one another.
Established in 1998 by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Global Christian Forum (GCF) is a worldwide Christian forum that aims to create new opportunities for expanding conversations, fostering deeper understanding, and encouraging more Christian fellowships worldwide to engage in dialogue and build connections. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Global Christian Forum, and it is also the second time that delegates from official churches in China have joined the global gathering.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
