Ever since the Grand Opening of the Bible
Ministry Exhibition of the Church in China being held in
the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York
City, approximately 10, 000 people have come to visit the
exhibition, with the largest attendance of 2, 000 on one
day. The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine is very
solemn and respectful. The two chambers for Christian Art
Works and the Bible Ministries for Minority Churches are
located on the two sides of the Sanctuary while the other
four are located at the back of the Sanctuary. Favorable
lighting effects specially outstand the theme ¡°A Lamp to
My Feet, A Light on my Path¡±. Especially under the cross
on the altar, the theme can be seen directly.
During the exhibition time, the co-hosts, i.e. New York
Diocese of the Episcopal Church (USA), American Bible Society
and the Council of Churches of the City of New York all
warmly hosted and had sincere talks with the Chinese Church
Delegation. On the reception hosted by American Bible Society,
Rev. Don Argue, one of the 3 religious leaders who had been
invited by Mr. Jiang Zemin, the former Chairperson of People's
Republic of China, to visit China. He brought special greetings
from Former U. S. President Bill Clinton and Mrs. Clinton
to the Chinese Church Delegation. On the banquet hosted
by the Council of Churches of the City of New York, representatives
from World Council of Churches and National Council of Churches
all delivered ebullient speeches.
On June 9, American Bible Society and Chinese Church Delegation
jointly held a symposium on Churches in China. More than
120 representatives from churches and church organizations
attended the symposium. Mr. Wang Zuoan, Vice Minister of
the State Administration for Religious Affairs, made a speech
titled Christianity in China. Rev. Cao Shengjie, President
of China Christian Council, Rev. Gao Feng, Vice Chairperson
of the National TSPM, and Elder Fu Xianwei, Chairperson
of Shanghai TSPM all addressed on the symposium regarding
the church development and theological education in China.
Some church leaders from American side who have frequent
exchanges with churches in China like Mr. David Mehlis,
President of Cook Communications, and Dr. John Erickson,
former General Secretary of UBS and American Bible Society
and all introduces their experience in cooperating with
churches in China.
At the appreciation dinner hosted by Chinese Church Delegation
on June 10, Rev. Cao Shengjie extended special gratitude
on behalf of CCC/TSPM to the hosting committee for ¡°it¡¯s
a special experience to hold the Bible Ministry Exhibition
of the Church in China in such a world-renowned Cathedral¡±.
The three Co-Chairperson of the New York City Committee
all expressed thankfulness to Chinese Church Delegation.
Rev. William Jefferson, Director of Global Ministries of
American Bible Society, and Rev. John E. Hiemstra, Executive
Director of the Council of Churches of the City of New York,
both thought that the Bible Ministry Exhibition of the Church
in China which is being held in New York not only connects
churches in USA and China together, but also links the different
churches in New York together. The Archdeacon of Episcopal
Church, NY Michael Kendall emphasized that churches in China
now is in post-denominational period, and American churches
should learn from Chinese churches.
June 11 is the last Sunday during the exhibition. A special
concert was held in the St. James Chapel at 15:00. The chapel
was fully packed and the performance received continuous
applauds. During the closing service which was held at 18:00,
Rev. Cao Shengjie preached, Rev. Bao Jiayuan led the prayer,
Ms. Gu Jingqin read the scriptures, and Ms. Ma Xiaohui delivered
a speech on behalf of the artist group. Rev. Cao Shengjie
presented a jade fish souvenir to the Very Rev. Kowalski,
Dean of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.
Rev. Cao Shengjie is presenting a jade fish
to the Very Rev. Kowalski in the evensong
*¡¡¡¡ *¡¡¡¡ *
The Bible Ministry Exhibition of the Church in China was
held in Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York City with the
total attendance of over 20, 000 people. The delegation
met and communicated with more than 10, 000 people in Sunday
Services, concerts, symposia and other occasions. Countless
people got the information of the exhibition through the
reports on newspaper, radio and TV. After visiting the exhibition,
many visitors left their encouraging comments. They thought
the exhibition is ¡°attractive¡±, ¡°amazing¡±, ¡°encouraging¡±,
¡°inspiring¡±, ¡°incredible¡±, ¡°cool¡±, etc. Still may people
are amazed at the wood-carving of ¡°the Life of Jesus¡± and
described it as a masterpiece of Christian art. Many Chinese
Christians felt proud of having this large-scale exhibition
held in USA by churches in China. They told us that we had
given them great encouragement. American Christians¡¯ understanding
of churches in China and the ministries being carried out
in China is enhanced and some misunderstandings are cleared.
Quite a number of pastors and believers expressed their
hope to strengthen the fellowship with churches in China
and the hope to visit China. We will welcome them wholeheartedly.
A group photo of the performers after the concert
