World Council of Churches - Update
Contact: + 41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.org For immediate release - 23/11/2006 04:19:16 PM
KOBIA DISCUSSES CHINA'S VISION OF "HARMONIOUS SOCIETY" AND THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN BUILDING IT WITH TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL
Issues relating to Chinese government policies with regard to development, international cooperation, and the role of religion in building a "harmonious society" were addressed by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and members of a WCC delegation at their meeting with Mr Jia Qinglin, chairperson of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference, on 21 November in Beijing.
Mr Jia, who is also one of the top four members of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, recognized that uneven economic growth has created disparity and division in Chinese society. But he also pointed out that the country has reduced poverty substantially, and that the government's overall aim is to lift the poor and marginalized up so that they may have a better quality of life.
He noted that China has done what it can to help reduce poverty overseas. For example, he reported, China took the decision at a recent summit with African heads of state to double its aid to Africa within the next three years.
"It is very helpful to hear concrete ideas on what 'harmonious society' means," Kobia said, expressing satisfaction that "China is not only concerned with working towards achieving harmony domestically, but also has a commitment to promoting a harmonious world." In this regard, Kobia recalled a saying by the late president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere: "Another word for peace is development."
However, Kobia pointed out that the fast pace of China's development should not jeopardize the sustainability and integrity of creation. Economic development goals that are "mindful of the need to protect the integrity of creation" are important and are "based in principles that are at the very centre of Christian faith," Kobia emphasized.
"Jesus Christ, on whom the church is founded, intended for all to have fullness of life. Building peace in the world and helping others have fullness of life is therefore fundamental to us as Christians."
Mr Jia noted that since China began to reform and open up some 28 years ago, much has been achieved on the economic and social fronts. While they "have been involved in the effort of alleviating poverty in China... all major religions in China enjoy self-management of their affairs and are free of interference from external influences", he stated.
The full text of Samuel Kobia's lecture at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary is available at: http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=2668
Presentation by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia on "New visions and challenges to ecumenism in the 21st century" at a meeting with ministers of the Shanghai Christian Council/TSPM on 16 November 2006: http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=2683
For additional information about the visit see also: http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-16.html http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-15.html http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-14.html http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-13.html http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pu-06-11.html http://www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-06-45.html
Free high-resolution photos are available at:
http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/images/wcc-main/news/autumn2006/DSC170156.JPG http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/images/wcc-main/news/autumn2006/China04.jpg http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/images/wcc-main/news/autumn2006/China03.jpg http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/images/wcc-main/news/autumn2006/China02.jpg http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/images/wcc-main/news/autumn2006/China01.jpg
A more detailed visit programme outline is available at: http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/press_corner/chinavisit-06.html
This material may be reprinted freely.
Additional information: Juan Michel, +41 22 791 6153 +41 79 507 6363 media@wcc-coe.org
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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 348 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 560 million Christians in over 110 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, from the Methodist Church in Kenya. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
