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Fellowship of the Ring Bearers: Rowan Cantuar' Ascent to Beijing 2006
By Michael Nai-Chiu Poon
Archbishop Rowan Williams' China trip this October is historic. It marks a critical juncture in both the Anglican Communion and the Church in China.
The likely meeting between Rowan Cantuar and Bishop K H Ting is important. Both bear the episcopal ring, the token of historic Christianity. Both are burdened with the care of the churches, facing crossroads that carry far-reaching implications. Bishop Ting is the surviving bishop of Chung Hua Sheng Kung Hui, and indeed the only surviving bishop in the Protestant churches in China. He now leads more by spiritual influence rather than jurisdictional authority. Rowan Cantuar faces an Anglican Communion that is deep in crisis.
Dr Michael Poon has written an insightful article on the church in China and how she may contribute to the Anglican Communion
"Is the Church in China finished with the Anglican Communion? I think not. For in an ironic way, Bishop Ting would see that the Anglican Church offers insight into an important area that many Anglicans have discarded. I refer of course to the historic form of Christianity "its creeds, traditions, ministerial orders, and sober forms of worship. Despite the rapid numerical growth, Protestant churches in China are still not organized as one Church in China. Indeed, as Bishop K H Ting puts it: The Bible unites us and sadly there may be little other than that. "The Bible unites us"; and sadly there may be little other than that."
To read this article click this link: http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/fellowship_of_the_ring_bearers_rowan_cantuars_ascent_to_beijing_2007/
---Michael Nai-Chiu Poon, is Director, Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia. He is based in Singapore.
