A delegation from the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (Felm) paid a visit to CCC&TSPM to renew friendship and promote future collaboration.
According to CCC&TSPM, on March 15, Rev. Shan Weixiang, vice chairman of the national Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), received the delegation from Felm headed by Rev. Tero Massa, Felm's regional director for Asia. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen future exchanges.
Rev. Shan Weixiang first addressed the guests about the current opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese churches, emphasizing the importance of the sinicization of Christianity in countering negative perceptions of "foreign religion" and demonstrating that the Chinese church belongs to both Christ and China. Pastor Shan also outlined the distinct departments of CCC&TSPM and their major works.
Rev. Tero Massa introduced the organizational structure of Felm and its work plan in the Asia region, with the anticipation of more conversations and cooperation in the future in theological education, social services, and peacebuilding and reconciliation ministries of mutual concern. Rev. Massa also expressed his appreciation for the three-self principles of the Chinese church. Ms. Piia Lempiäinen, Felm’s adviser in Financial Administration and Good Governance, intended to take suggestions from church staff in Chinese churches during this trip.
Mr. Wang Baocheng, acting deputy director of the Social Service Ministry of CCC&TSPM, briefed the guests on the key programs of the social service ministry among Chinese churches, expressing gratitude for the support from the visiting organization.
Following the meeting, the delegation also extended a visit to the Shanghai Holy Trinity Cathedral and its affiliated Christian bookstore. Felm, established in 1895, is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland's (ELF) international outreach agency. It has begun to grow global ministries since its founding, and it now mainly participates in social service programs.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
芬兰福音信义宗差传会访问中国两会，延续友谊，加强未来交流。
据中国基督教两会，3月15日，中国基督教三自爱国运动委员会驻会副主席单渭祥牧师在本会接待了芬兰福音信义宗差传会亚洲区域主管泰罗·马萨牧师（Tero Massa）一行，双方就今后如何加强交流进行了交谈。
单渭祥牧师首先向客人介绍了中国教会所面临的机遇和挑战。单牧师特别指出，曾经的“洋教”形象和影响需要去推进基督教中国化，让人们看到中国教会，既属于基督、也属于中国！单牧师还介绍了中国基督教两会的各部门及其主要工作。
泰罗·马萨牧师介绍了芬兰福音信义宗差传会的组织结构和其在亚洲区域的工作规划。他希望今后在神学教育、社会服务以及共同关心的和平与和好事工有进一步的探讨与合作。泰罗·马萨牧师特别赞赏中国教会的三自办教原则。芬兰福音信义宗差传会财务管理及善治顾问皮娅·莱姆皮亚宁女士（Piia Lempiäinen）也希望通过此次交流，能听取中国教会同工的建议。
中国基督教两会社会服务部副主任（代）王保成同工向客人介绍了当前教会社会服务的重点事工，并对芬兰福音信义宗差传会的支持表示感谢。
会后，客人参观了圣三一堂和“书说恩典”书房。芬兰福音信义宗差传会（Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission）成立于1859年，是一个相对独立的教会对外交往组织，自成立之初便开始发展海外事工，现主要是参与社会服务项目。
芬兰福音信义宗差传会访问中国两会
A delegation from the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (Felm) paid a visit to CCC&TSPM to renew friendship and promote future collaboration.
According to CCC&TSPM, on March 15, Rev. Shan Weixiang, vice chairman of the national Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), received the delegation from Felm headed by Rev. Tero Massa, Felm's regional director for Asia. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen future exchanges.
Rev. Shan Weixiang first addressed the guests about the current opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese churches, emphasizing the importance of the sinicization of Christianity in countering negative perceptions of "foreign religion" and demonstrating that the Chinese church belongs to both Christ and China. Pastor Shan also outlined the distinct departments of CCC&TSPM and their major works.
Rev. Tero Massa introduced the organizational structure of Felm and its work plan in the Asia region, with the anticipation of more conversations and cooperation in the future in theological education, social services, and peacebuilding and reconciliation ministries of mutual concern. Rev. Massa also expressed his appreciation for the three-self principles of the Chinese church. Ms. Piia Lempiäinen, Felm’s adviser in Financial Administration and Good Governance, intended to take suggestions from church staff in Chinese churches during this trip.
Mr. Wang Baocheng, acting deputy director of the Social Service Ministry of CCC&TSPM, briefed the guests on the key programs of the social service ministry among Chinese churches, expressing gratitude for the support from the visiting organization.
Following the meeting, the delegation also extended a visit to the Shanghai Holy Trinity Cathedral and its affiliated Christian bookstore. Felm, established in 1895, is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland's (ELF) international outreach agency. It has begun to grow global ministries since its founding, and it now mainly participates in social service programs.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission Visits CCC&TSPM
