WCC NEWS: WCC expresses gratitude for “renewed encounter with churches and people of China”

In a special Pilgrimage Encounter Message, the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee reflected on the theme “Christ, Culture and Context in China,” expressing appreciation for the hospitality extended by the China Christian Council and the National Committee of the Three Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China. Members of the WCC executive committee attended the Sunday worship at the Chongyi Church in Hangzhou, China on 23 November 2025. Photo: Marianne Ejdersten/WCC 25 November 2025 “Through this encounter, a new generation of WCC leadership has been able to build upon the longstanding relationship with and engagement of the Protestant Church in China in the global WCC fellowship,” reads the message. “We came to China at the invitation of and for encounter with the WCC’s member church in this context.” The message describes the deep and abiding impressions of the time in China. “We have welcomed hearing the clear official commitment of the Chinese government to religious freedom in China, and look forward to occasions for learning more about the current status and further fulfilment of this commitment,” reads the message. “Meeting in China at this time of increasing global challenges - including proliferating conflict, rising geopolitical tensions, increasing division, an accelerating climate crisis, and weakening commitment to the multilateral cooperation needed to address these challenges - we acknowledge the increasingly important role of China in the international community.” The message recognizes China’s contributions to advancing the work of the United Nations, and to supporting its peacekeeping operations. “We have been especially impressed during this visit by China’s evolving leadership in driving the renewable energy transition,” continues the message. “The scale of this investment, and its impact, is staggering.” The WCC executive committee lamented the fact that the COP30 climate talks in Brazil concluded without commitment to a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. “However, China’s technological and manufacturing prowess has now created the conditions for aligning economic and environmental interests, not only in China, but throughout the world,” notes the message. “The relative quiet of the traffic in Shanghai – due to the preponderance of electric vehicles – sends a loud message of hope.” Pilgrimage Encounter Message: Christ, Culture and Context in China WCC leaders meet with Chinese religious affairs minister, focusing on peace and unity (WCC news release, 24 October 2025) 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 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland