by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
He Qi, a renowned contemporary Chinese Christian artist,
delivered a message of peace through art to about 1,300
participants of the 2006 Global Mission Event (GME) of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Co-sponsored by The
Episcopal Church and endorsed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Canada, the event brings together participants of all ages
from across the United States and around the world July 27-30 to
the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. The GME features
plenary and workshop sessions, keynote speakers, music and
worship under the theme "Sent! by God's grace for the sake of the
world."
Mixing Christian folk art and modern art styles, Qi's paintings
focus on the life of Jesus Christ. He hopes to change the
"foreign image" of Christianity in China. "As a Christian
artist, I want to use my talent in art to carry a message of
peace. Peace be with you through my art," he told participants.
Although not born a Christian, Qi said at an early age he became
inspired to paint interpretations of biblical stories after
seeing a painting of the Madonna with child. "The portrait of
the Madonna with child had touched my heart. It brought for me a
peaceful message," said Qi, who spoke on a stage adorned with his
artwork. "My dream is for people to experience my art while I'm
alive."
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
