Those gathered observed Thursdays in Black, the global campaign for a world free from rape and violence. “Women have borne such witness to hope across nearly all walks of life in countless ways, contributing greatly to human development,” said Lin, who is also a professor and doctoral advisor of Christian Ethics at the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary. “In China, for example, women account for 43% of the total employed population and 45.8% of scientific and technological professionals.” Lin noted that Chinese women have made outstanding contributions in fields like aerospace, biomedicine, ocean expeditions, and artificial intelligence. “Women have also excelled in sports: women athletes have won over 60% of medals for China in the past four Summer Olympic Games,” she said. “In 2024, female students made up more than half of the total student population in higher education in China.” Lin also said that, within Chinese churches, women hold leadership roles in seminaries and congregations. “Of all ordained pastors, 42% are women, and numerous women serve as elders, deacons, and volunteers in church ministry,” she said, yet also noted: “For many women worldwide, even sustaining basic survival is a struggle—let alone living a normal, decent life or enjoying gender equality.” The church in China has taken significant steps to promote gender equality, she said. “After years of hard work, China has achieved historic progress in advancing women’s causes, lifting 690 million women out of poverty and meeting the poverty reduction targets of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of schedule,” she said. “The average life expectancy of women in China has risen to 80.9 years in 2025, and women’s overall health has improved significantly.” 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.” The WCC executive committee is convening in Hangzhou, China from 20-25 November, embarking on both a business agenda and a pilgrimage encounter with the people and churches in Hangzhou, China, exploring the theme of “Christ, culture, and context.” WCC leaders have been welcomed by the vibrant church in China, meeting with the China Christian Council, and visiting the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, Amity Printing, Amity Foundation, and viewing pilot projects on green energy. Reflection by Rev. Dr. Manhong Lin, General Secretary of the China Christian Council WCC central committee moderator reflects on church unity, climate justice (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC general secretary: “WCC is being looked at as a source of strength and support” (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC executive committee opens in Hangzhou, China (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) Vibrant church in China welcomes WCC leaders (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC shares congratulations on Amity Foundation’s 40th anniversary (WCC news release, 18 November 2025) Photo gallery: WCC executive committee meeting in China | 
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