His Grace Bishop Anba Suriel, the representative of the Coptic Orthodox Church, reminded us that the Covenant of Christ involves the shedding of blood. For some, it means martyrdom or death as we will normally understand that word. It is a price still being paid by some today, as did some Egyptian Coptic Christians last Christmas. However, to be faithful in our witness is also one form of martyrdom. It is costly to remain faithful to the truth and teaching of Scriptures. He said his Church is praying that this Encounter will be a faithful witness in the midst of challenges in the Communion.
We were reminded of the seeds of the Anglican Church growing in various parts of Asia. Pastor Rinzi Lama and Pastor Shyam from the Anglican Church in Nepal shared on the grace of God in helping the Anglican Church in Nepal, though still in her infancy, to grow to 7,000 worshippers today.
Something is afoot here:
“Ecumenical observers shared words of welcome. Elder Fu Xianwei, Chairman of the National Committee of the Three Self Patriotic Movement of China Christian Church, shared on his Church’s desire to learn from the wider Body of Christ. He also indicated hope that the Church in China can contribute in some way to this mutual learning process. The Church worldwide is facing modern and diverse challenges. Even though his Church is founded on the three-self principles, they will still need to be connected to the wider Church.”
I have been praising God since I first learned that the TSPM in China would be represented at the Encounter, but also puzzled. And now to read that Elder Fu addressed the Encounter is quite amazing.
This will not likely make headlines in the Communion or in the West, but with Elder Fu attending and participating in such an orthodox ‘synod’ with believers who are clearly committed to evangelism and church planting, the Chinese national leadership is demonstrating an openness to the Gospel that has not been seen in nearly a century.
Abp Chew has had good relations with the TSPM for more than 20 years–and their presence is evidence of his winsome witness for the Gospel. In that regard Elder Fu’s presence is very much in keeping with that relationship–and Abp Chew’s vision of missions extending not only through the Anglican Communion but also through the whole of China itself.