The World Council of Churches (WCC) will step up cooperation with the Chinese government and the China Christian Council (CCC) in helping develop Christianity in China.

The pledge was made by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, who was elected general secretary of the WCC in 2003, on Tuesday while commenting on his findings about the situation of Christianity in China.

Kobia arrived in China on Nov. 15 at the invitation of WCC member churches in China and the CCC and will leave on Thursday.

Heading a seven-member delegation, Kobia said he would gain a better understanding of the church and society, the changing landscape of Christianity, emerging trends in China, and seek new ways to collaborate in strengthening ecumenical theological education and leadership development.

"The answer is clearly 'yes'," said Kobia in response to a question on whether there would be further cooperation between the WCC and the Chinese government.

He praised China's ongoing process of building a harmonious society as important in addressing problems arising from economic development.

"The process is continuing, and it's an important model," he said.

The WCC would follow closely China's harmonious society building process and make its own evaluations.

He appreciated the encouraging situation in China, which, as an emerging economic power, had the potential to grow into a major world power both economically and politically.

The WCC wanted to help China in cultivating more "homegrown" theologists and pastors within the country's own framework, he said.

Kobia, who spoke to more than 1,000 believers at a Beijing church on Sunday, said he had traveled freely in China and had the chance to see ordinary people.

"They told me they are safe in practicing religion," he said, adding,"Without government interference."

Kobia said the WCC wanted to know how it could support the Chinese church in developing and finding space for growth.

After an afternoon discussion with the leaders of China's five religions, he was surprised that they coexisted and cooperated in friendship and harmony.

No other country in the world could achieve such a situation, he said.

The visits and meetings have exceeded the expectations and hopes "envisaged as the aim of this visit" and the delegation was encouraged by China's impressive work in printing about 42 million Bibles over the past 20 years, said a statement by Kobia's delegation.

The unprecedented growth of Christianity and increasing church growth in China was also evident during the visits to local congregations.

After visiting Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing and Beijing, Kobia will continue to Xi'an.

The Chinese government is planning a census to learn how many religious followers China has. The last survey showed 16 million Christians, but it is thought to be well below the current figure.

"I believe we will have a bright future since there are more young and educated people in our faith," said Cao Shengjie, head of the CCC.

Source: Xinhua