As the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee convened in Hangzhou, China, from 20-25 November, the prayer life of the governing body proved to be both dynamic and unique to the local context.
Sermons, reflections, and prayers carried the perspectives of the church in China and drew deeper discussions about theology, faith, and action.
In a reflection offered during the opening prayer of the WCC executive committee on 20 November, Rev. Dr Manhong Lin, general secretary and vice president of the China Christian Council, spoke on the theme "Women Bearing Witness to Hope."
Lin reflected that love is God's highest attribute. "God creates and sustains the world through love, so Christian love must be expressed in loving all people, including those of different faiths and of no religious faith," she said. "When people have love, compassion, and kindness, they are more likely to be willing to respect differences in tradition, culture, race, ethnicity, religion, and ideology—rather than seeking to ignore, criticize, or diminish those differences."
Bian Rongliang, a graduate of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey from China, shared a sermon at the Tianshui Church.
Bian Rongliang spoke of how we hold a double identity as shepherds who care for the Lord's sheep and as sheep who are cared for by Christ.
"On one hand, we must know our flock as a father knows his children, loving them, understanding them, and passing on the love of God," Rongliang said. "On the other hand, we must know our mission as the Son knows the Father, living out what it means to be a true shepherd. So that when the flock sees us, they may see in us a reflection of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and their hearts will be strengthened to follow Him."
Prof. Wen Ge, associate professor of systematic theology and currently in charge of the academic affairs at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, shared a sermon at the Zhejiang Theological Seminary, posing the question: How shall we carry on theological education without falling victim to either intellectualism or an ethical reduction of Christian faith?
Prof. Wen Ge is also associate general secretary of the China Christian Council and vice moderator of the Theological Education Commission of the China Christian Council.
"We can see here that knowledge and moral insight are closely associated with each other," Wen Ge said. "On the one hand, the increase of knowledge and insight describes the manner how this love shall grow so that love will not be blind and emotional but sensible and discriminating. On the other hand, true knowledge also comes out of love."
Shine Out the Light
Some executive committee members shared their reflections on the spiritual aspects of their gathering.
Dr Theodora Issa, from the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East, spoke of the choirs, hymns, and melodies.
"The reflections provided by the pastors provided us with a Chinese perspective," she said. "For me, a special mention of Sicheng Church, as I, personally have been very humbled with the immense attention, care, help, and support from all around – this was a very special experience."
Going to both Chongyi and Tianshui churches on two consecutive days provided different unique experiences as well, Issa added. "Through both visits we felt the commitment, the keenness to serve and help where possible," she said. "We are grateful for the beautiful items that have been given to us by most of the churches and those will be treasured."
Rev. Armstrong Pitakaji particularly recalled a special visit to the Lingyin Temple.
"As we sat together with the Buddhist community there, we can again affirm that WCC continues to preach, teach, live, and shine out the light of Christ's love beyond religious boundaries," he said. "Let this love of Christ be made manifest to our world through us."
Rev. Joanes Owino Siang'a expressed gratitude for times of prayer.
"As a deaf minister and member of the WCC executive committee, I was deeply moved by how our daily morning prayers nurtured spiritual unity beyond our diversity in language," said Siang'a. "Our visit to Chongyi Church affirmed this: a century-old congregation with a modern sanctuary where deaf ministry is not an addition but integral to church life."
Seeing an ordained deaf minister and hearing staff encouraged to learn sign language reminded Siang'a that true discipleship embraces all. "In such spaces, prayer is felt, seen, and lived as testament that the Body of Christ is strongest when every voice and every sign, is honoured," said Siang'a.
Originally from the World Council of Churches
CCD reprinted with permission
