ANGLICANS SET TO RENEW LINKS WITH CHINESE CHRISTIANS AS ARCHBISHOPS PAY MISSION EXPLORATORY VISIT
CONN/0671006
INVITATION
While attending the installation of the Archbishop John Chew as the Anglican Primate of South East Asia in February 2006, Archbishop Akinola met with some Chinese Christian leaders who repeatedly invited him to visit the country. The Nigeria Primate and his South East Asia counterpart the Most Rev. John Chew decided to jointly visit the vast country in July 2006. As usual with Abp. Akinola, he went along with a serving bishop of the Church of Nigeria. This time, he was accompanied by the archbishop of Ibadan ecclesiastical province, the Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa.
OFFICIAL RECEPTION
The three Anglican archbishops began the historic visit in Beijing; the country’s capital where they were received by Bishop Michael Fu Tie Shan in the “Great Hall of the People” Bishop Fu Tie Shan is the vice president of the National Peoples Congress, the highest legislative arm of the Chinese government. They also met with Mr. Ye Xiao Wen the Director General (Minister) of the Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA). A national ministry in charge of religious affairs.
MEETINGS
The Nigerian archbishops went on to visit the China Catholic Theological Seminary, the China Islam Association and the Nigeria Embassy meeting with the leaders and members of the various institutions. Everywhere, the political and church leaders were all interested in partnering with the Nigerians. The recurring theme was on how we can work together to make this world a better place. Areas of possible collaboration between Nigeria and China were discussed.
Apart from Beijing, Cities and provinces visited included Jinan, Shan Dong province, Yangjing Qing Dao, Jiang Su, Nanjing, Yi Xing and Shanghai, in a very interested 10 day journey. Every where, meetings were held with Church pastors, the provincial Religious Affairs Bureaus (RAB), Christian Councils, and the Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) which is the protestant grouping in China. Experiences were shared and lessons were learnt by both the visitors and the hosts. Other leaders include Hon. Oluwole Coker, the Nigerian Ambassador, Bishop Jin Lu Xian and Rev Dr Cao Sheng-jie, the president of the China Christian Council
Bishop K.H. Ting
The retired nonagenarian Anglican Bishop K. H Ting was especially delighted to see the Anglican bishops and he praised the leadership of Most Rev. Peter Akinola and other Anglican global south primates in keeping and sharing the faith. A hero that survived China’s repression of religion many years ago, he prayed that Nigerian’s evangelical fervor will soon be impacted upon China. As emeritus President of the China Christian council and emeritus Chairman TSPM, he continues to wield enormous influence as a Chinese Christian authority.
EVANGELISM POTENTIAL
The archbishops were impressed with the size, population, and economic development of the great country. They were however challenged that the less than 3% of the population is Christian. As evangelicals, China presents to them, a very fertile ground ready for evangelism.
A visit to nearby Amity printing press in Nanjing shows that China is ready for such a gospel explosion as bibles are being churned out in their millions from this expansive printing concern. Also of interest is the ease at which different translations could be produced. More than three Nigerian languages were noticed being printed there. Nigeria is considering ordering the production of the Fulfulde bible to aid the recent Fulani mission as it reaches out to over 20 million unreached people in West Africa.
China’s Theological Seminaries also betray a readiness for such an evangelistic move. Seminaries visited included the China Catholic Theological Seminary in Beijing, Yanjing Theological Seminary, and Jing-Ling Theological Seminary. Boosting very impressive infrastructures, they stand out as models of environments conducive for the training of Christian ministers.
PLACES OF INTEREST
A visit to China without seeing the famous Great Wall is incomplete and Archbishops Akinfenwa and Akinola were not allowed to make the trip a strictly business one. The Chinese seem proud to show off their country and the did so in style taking the Nigerians to the ‘Great Wall’, the ‘Forbidden City’, Restored Churches, Museums, Factories, and Agricultural projects. It was an ‘eye- opener’ says Abp. Akinfenwa. “One cannot but appreciate the patriotism, dedication, and hard work of the people of China.” It also afforded them the opportunity to meet with the ordinary citizens, workers, and tourists with whom they freely discussed and took pictures.
While attending Sunday worship in a capacity filled church during the trip, Abp. Akinola was invited to address the congregation. The Nigerians were surprised at the end of the service as people, young and old, male and female, surrounded them after the service, requiring from them, autographs on personal bibles and hymn books.
FUTURE
The People’s Republic of China is opening up in many ways. The government should be commended for the support they give to the churches. Due to pressure of other engagements, Abp. John Chew could only be at the first part of the visit, but is expected to join the Global South delegation which is being expected back in China next year. This visit should strengthen the already established ties and seek to re-integrate the Chinese Church back into the Anglican family.
A strengthening of the now established relationship also opens up a vast field of hundreds of millions of people who can now hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Already, Abp. Akinola has hinted the Church of Nigeria of the urgent need to source for missionaries, evangelists, and funding for the great task ahead. The importance of prayers cannot be over-stressed and for the millions of people, who need to hear of the saving grace of God in Jesus the Christ, all are invited to pray for supply of the necessary resources and that the doors of opportunity will remain opened.
ENDS
CONN/0671006
INVITATION
While attending the installation of the Archbishop John Chew as the Anglican Primate of South East Asia in February 2006, Archbishop Akinola met with some Chinese Christian leaders who repeatedly invited him to visit the country. The Nigeria Primate and his South East Asia counterpart the Most Rev. John Chew decided to jointly visit the vast country in July 2006. As usual with Abp. Akinola, he went along with a serving bishop of the Church of Nigeria. This time, he was accompanied by the archbishop of Ibadan ecclesiastical province, the Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa.
OFFICIAL RECEPTION
The three Anglican archbishops began the historic visit in Beijing; the country’s capital where they were received by Bishop Michael Fu Tie Shan in the “Great Hall of the People” Bishop Fu Tie Shan is the vice president of the National Peoples Congress, the highest legislative arm of the Chinese government. They also met with Mr. Ye Xiao Wen the Director General (Minister) of the Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA). A national ministry in charge of religious affairs.
MEETINGS
The Nigerian archbishops went on to visit the China Catholic Theological Seminary, the China Islam Association and the Nigeria Embassy meeting with the leaders and members of the various institutions. Everywhere, the political and church leaders were all interested in partnering with the Nigerians. The recurring theme was on how we can work together to make this world a better place. Areas of possible collaboration between Nigeria and China were discussed.
Apart from Beijing, Cities and provinces visited included Jinan, Shan Dong province, Yangjing Qing Dao, Jiang Su, Nanjing, Yi Xing and Shanghai, in a very interested 10 day journey. Every where, meetings were held with Church pastors, the provincial Religious Affairs Bureaus (RAB), Christian Councils, and the Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) which is the protestant grouping in China. Experiences were shared and lessons were learnt by both the visitors and the hosts. Other leaders include Hon. Oluwole Coker, the Nigerian Ambassador, Bishop Jin Lu Xian and Rev Dr Cao Sheng-jie, the president of the China Christian Council
Bishop K.H. Ting
The retired nonagenarian Anglican Bishop K. H Ting was especially delighted to see the Anglican bishops and he praised the leadership of Most Rev. Peter Akinola and other Anglican global south primates in keeping and sharing the faith. A hero that survived China’s repression of religion many years ago, he prayed that Nigerian’s evangelical fervor will soon be impacted upon China. As emeritus President of the China Christian council and emeritus Chairman TSPM, he continues to wield enormous influence as a Chinese Christian authority.
EVANGELISM POTENTIAL
The archbishops were impressed with the size, population, and economic development of the great country. They were however challenged that the less than 3% of the population is Christian. As evangelicals, China presents to them, a very fertile ground ready for evangelism.
A visit to nearby Amity printing press in Nanjing shows that China is ready for such a gospel explosion as bibles are being churned out in their millions from this expansive printing concern. Also of interest is the ease at which different translations could be produced. More than three Nigerian languages were noticed being printed there. Nigeria is considering ordering the production of the Fulfulde bible to aid the recent Fulani mission as it reaches out to over 20 million unreached people in West Africa.
China’s Theological Seminaries also betray a readiness for such an evangelistic move. Seminaries visited included the China Catholic Theological Seminary in Beijing, Yanjing Theological Seminary, and Jing-Ling Theological Seminary. Boosting very impressive infrastructures, they stand out as models of environments conducive for the training of Christian ministers.
PLACES OF INTEREST
A visit to China without seeing the famous Great Wall is incomplete and Archbishops Akinfenwa and Akinola were not allowed to make the trip a strictly business one. The Chinese seem proud to show off their country and the did so in style taking the Nigerians to the ‘Great Wall’, the ‘Forbidden City’, Restored Churches, Museums, Factories, and Agricultural projects. It was an ‘eye- opener’ says Abp. Akinfenwa. “One cannot but appreciate the patriotism, dedication, and hard work of the people of China.” It also afforded them the opportunity to meet with the ordinary citizens, workers, and tourists with whom they freely discussed and took pictures.
While attending Sunday worship in a capacity filled church during the trip, Abp. Akinola was invited to address the congregation. The Nigerians were surprised at the end of the service as people, young and old, male and female, surrounded them after the service, requiring from them, autographs on personal bibles and hymn books.
FUTURE
The People’s Republic of China is opening up in many ways. The government should be commended for the support they give to the churches. Due to pressure of other engagements, Abp. John Chew could only be at the first part of the visit, but is expected to join the Global South delegation which is being expected back in China next year. This visit should strengthen the already established ties and seek to re-integrate the Chinese Church back into the Anglican family.
A strengthening of the now established relationship also opens up a vast field of hundreds of millions of people who can now hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Already, Abp. Akinola has hinted the Church of Nigeria of the urgent need to source for missionaries, evangelists, and funding for the great task ahead. The importance of prayers cannot be over-stressed and for the millions of people, who need to hear of the saving grace of God in Jesus the Christ, all are invited to pray for supply of the necessary resources and that the doors of opportunity will remain opened.
ENDS
