The Sixth Joint Conference on Foreign Language Speaking Services in Shanghai (2025) was held from December 2 to 4 in Suzhou, Jiangsu. About 35 representatives from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Shanghai CC&TSPM, district-level religious affairs offices and CC&TSPMs, and conveners of foreign-language worship services attended the gathering to discuss the management and pastoral service of foreign-related Christian activities under new circumstances.
According to Shanghai CC&TSPM, Wang Xiaofeng, deputy director of the municipal Bureau of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, reaffirmed that the Chinese government respects and protects religious freedom. He noted that Shanghai authorities will continue to safeguard the religious activities of foreign nationals in China by law while guiding foreign Christians in the city to comply with Chinese laws and regulations and to respect the "Three-Self" principles in religion. He called for stronger efforts to promote and interpret the "Rules for the Implementation of the Provisions on the Administration of Religious Activities of Foreigners in the People's Republic of China" (hereinafter referred to as the "Implementation Rules"), ensuring that foreign-related Christian activities are conducted in a regulated, orderly, and lawful manner. He also encouraged building the joint conference into an important platform for communication and collaboration between authorities and foreign Christians in Shanghai.
Rev. Xu Yulan, chairperson of Shanghai TSPM, reviewed the past two years of foreign-language worship ministries and noted that implementing the "Implementation Rules" will remain a priority going forward. Jin Wen, director of the Foreign Religious Affairs Division of the Municipal Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau, provided a detailed interpretation of the rules. Qingpu District's CC&TSPM shared its experience integrating Sinicization-themed ministry initiatives into foreign-language worship services. Conveners of foreign-language worship gatherings and temporary meeting points expressed their commitment to operating strictly within legal boundaries. District religious affairs offices also stated they would continue to administer according to the law and provide needed services to support the basic faith life of foreign residents in Shanghai.
During the meeting, participants visited Xiangcheng Church and Dushu Lake Church in Suzhou, as well as the Suzhou Industrial Park.
According to the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Changning District began exploring management practices for foreign-related religious activities as early as 2008. As of August 2024, Shanghai had seven designated venues for foreign nationals to conduct collective Christian worship, offering services in English, Korean, German, Spanish, and other languages.
