Ecumenical Head Discusses Role of Religion in Building China's Future

The World Council of Churches (WCC) General Secretary Rev Dr Samuel Kobia has led a delegation in a meeting with Mr Jia Qinglin, chairperson of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference, on 21 November in Beijing.

|PIC1|Discussions centred around issues relating to Chinese government policies with regard to development, international cooperation, and the role of religion in building a "harmonious society".

Mr Jia, who is also one of the top four members of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, recognised 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 marginalised 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.

Kobia said, "It is very helpful to hear concrete ideas on what 'harmonious society' means."

The WCC head went on to express 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 jeopardise 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 emphasised.

"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."