The WCC was represented by Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley, vice-moderator of the WCC central committee, and WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. WCC leaders were accompanied by Doug Chial, director of the WCC Office of the General Secretariat; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication. “It is with deep respect and heartfelt joy that I extend warm greetings on behalf of the World Council of Churches,” said Pillay, who delivered congratulatory remarks. “Over the past four decades, Amity has dedicated itself to supporting vulnerable communities, advancing education and health, promoting sustainable development, and fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue.” Pillay mentioned that he is impressed with the foundational vision and commitments that drive the foundation’s work. “You also demonstrate how Christians can actively contribute to both social welfare and betterment in China as well as the larger international humanitarian endeavour,” said Pillay. “Amity’s wholistic orientation aligns so well, for instance, with the UN’s 16 Sustainable Development Goals and applies as well internationally as it does in the whole range of your charitable and social-service activities at home in China.” Amity Foundation, an independent Chinese social organization, was founded in 1985 on the initiative of Chinese Christians led by Bishop K.H. Ting and joined by people from all walks of society. The foundation works to promote education, public health, social welfare, community development, environmental protection, disaster relief, and other philanthropic undertakings in China and other parts of the world. Amity projects have benefited more than ten million people at home and abroad. Pillay reflected that, during nearly ten years of Amity International’s office in Geneva, the foundation has proven to be positive and constructive partner with the WCC. “We see you as exemplary and important partners in the ecumenical Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, which invites Christians from all lands and all persuasions to rise above national boundaries and religious differences to work together for peace and justice,” Pillay said. “We warmly congratulate you on this special anniversary and pray that it may be a source of pride, encouragement, and renewed inspiration for the important work that lies ahead.” In 1986, Amity Printing was jointly founded by the Amity Foundation and United Bible Societies, first breaking ground in Dongshan Town, Jiangning County, Nanjing. In November 1987, the first Bible came off the production line. After decades of continuous efforts, Amity Printing has developed into a modern printing company with cutting-edge thin paper printing techniques. It is the main base of Bible printing in China and one of the world’s largest bases for Bible printing. Its mission is to serve the Chinese church to satisfy their needs for Bibles, to serve overseas churches for their needs for Bibles, and to serve the Chinese society and the people of China. Amity has printed more than 200 million copies of the Bible. WCC Greetings and Congratulations to the Amity Foundation On Its 40th Anniversary WCC executive committee to convene in China with “Christ, culture, and context” (WCC news release, 14 November 2025) | 
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