If you're seeking a familiar environment for worship and to make some faith-based connections to your community here in Shanghai, here's a list of venues that offer church services in English.
Get saved, Shanghai!
St. Ignatius Cathedral 徐家汇教堂
What is it:Probably Shanghai's most well-known church, more commonly known as the Xujiahui Cathedral. St. Ignatius was designed by English architect William Doyle and built by the French Jesuits between 1905 and 1910. Recently restored, the cathedral's stained glass windows have been replaced with ones that incorporate Chinese characters and iconography.
English-language mass: Every Sunday at noon.
How do I find out more: Search for "xjhtzt158" on WeChat to follow their latest updates.
sacred heart church 张家楼耶稣圣心天主堂
What is it: The International Community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church was first built in 1744. Still, it was forced to move to several locations before finding a home in its current home in Pudong's Biyun International Community. They practice Catholic denomination services.
English-language mass: Sundays at 11am.
How do I find out more: Search for "ZJL-Catholic-church" on WeChat to follow their latest updates. The WeChat platform is entirely in Chinese but if your Chinese reading skills aren't so great, rest assured, English-language services are indeed transpiring at this location at the above time. They accept walk-ins and if you have any issues you can call 138 1750 3946.
international church of Shanghai
What is it: ICS is a non-denominational, multi-national church. They have over 30 groups meeting at various locations and times throughout the city. They have over 600 weekly attendance, primarily serving Hongqiao and Changning districts, but members come from greater Shanghai. One of the more accessible church groups in Shanghai, their WeChat platform is in English they've also got multiple social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
English language mass: Sundays at 9am (with Chinese interpretation) and 11am.
How do I find out more: Search for "ICShongqiao" on WeChat for more info. They're fairly active on WeChat and you can get a good sense of the community in their archived articles and events.
fitch memorial church 鸿德堂
What is it: Also known as Hongde Temple, this place is the only Christian church in Shanghai built using Chinese architecture. It was constructed in 1928 in memory of George Field Fitch, an American missionary who helped the Chinese establish their modern printing and publishing industry during the late 19th century. Originally, it was a US-Presbyterian Mission (North) church, but since opening back up in the early 1990s, it's now a TSPM (Three-Self Patriotic Movement) church -- the official government supervisory organ for Protestantism in the People's Republic of China.
The church holds three Chinese-language services on Sundays and had nearly 2,500 attendees as of 2019, according to the website of CCC&TSPM.
English-language mass: Wednesdays at 7pm.
How do I find out more: Moreso geared to their Chinese-speaking congregation, Fitch doesn't have an English WeChat platform or a specific English contact for their Wednesday services. We've been in contact with them, however, and they guarantee said services do indeed happen. Seek and ye shall receive?
thanksgiving church 感恩堂
What it is: Thanksgiving Church in Pudong is home to the Thanksgiving English Fellowship (TEF) in Shanghai. The Fellowship is a "Bible-believing, English-speaking fellowship with ministries for all ages committed to loving God and loving others through fellowship, biblical teaching, outreach, and Christian living."
English-language mass:Every Sunday, from 4pm to 5:30pm.
How do I find out more: You can visit their official WeChat account by searching for "TEFShanghai" in WeChat. By following their account, you can click on "Services" for more information. Along with Sunday service, they also host Adult Sunday School, a kid's program, and a host of other volunteer opportunities, groups, and clubs. (Click on "Ministry" for more information on those.)
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