Institute of World Religions, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,

the Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia, Trinity Theological College, Singapore & 

Yale University Divinity School Library

中国社会科学院世界宗教研究所， 新加坡三一神学院亚洲基督教研究中心，耶鲁大学神学院图书馆联合主办

Venue: Hepingli Hotel, Address: No. 16 He Ping Li North ST. East District, Beijing China, Tel:010-84225577
和平里大酒店，和平里北大街16号，北京东城区

13-16 March 2007, Beijing,  Updated 26 June 2007

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Background and rationale

The past decade saw significant advances in China on research on Christianity. The marked increase in the number of (1) research theses produced in academic institutions, (2) books on Christianity printed, and (3) research centers and departments in academic institutions engaging on research in Christianity are important indicators of this growth.

There is as yet little effort, both within China and in the West, to understand the contribution of this volume of scholarship to our understanding of world Christianity. Nor has there been any systematic reflection on how Chinese scholars can develop resources for the advancement of research on Christianity.( On the marked growth in Christian scholarship in China, see for example the tabulations in http://www.ttc.edu.sg/csca/epub/sh/reschina.htm, http://www.ttc.edu.sg/csca/epub/NLCDiss.htm, http://www.ttc.edu.sg/csca/epub/wanfang-d.htm and http://www.ttc.edu.sg/csca/epub/wanfang-m.htm.)

Goals and objectives

The proposed consultation seeks to meet these needs. The Institute of World Religions (the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences), the Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia (Trinity Theological College, Singapore), and Yale University Divinity School Library propose to co-sponsor a "Consultation on Resources for the Advancement of Research on Christianity in China." The purpose is to bring together about 15-20 librarians and scholars from key institutions in China (Beijing, Shanghai, and other centres invited by IWR in consultation with the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia) that are engaging in research on Christianity. The Chinese delegation will engage in dialogue with about six delegates from CSCA and Yale University Divinity School Library, in a three day consultation, on three areas:

(1) to assess the current state of research on Christianity in China

(2) to discuss how we can promote research resources:

1. documentation, archives, bibliographies, oral history
2. databases
3. funding
4. publications
5. others

(3) to explore practical ways for collaboration with academic institutions outside of China

Coordinators

Participants:

• Yale University Divinity School Library: Professor Paul Stuehrenberg, Mrs Martha Smalley, Mr Chan Chi Wah

• Trinity Theological College: Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian, Dr Michael Nai Chiu Poon, Dr Lim Teck Peng, Mr Michael Mukunthan

• China: (by invitation from IWR)

Programme, Participants and Abstracts (10 March 2007)

Tentative Programme

Arrival

8:30-9:30

Keynote: Research on Christianity undertaken in China since 1979. A Review (IWR)

10:00-12:00

Three presentations on current research on Christianity

14:00-15:00

Address: Role of the Research Library in the Advancement of Scholarship (Yale)

15:30-17:30

Three surveys on the Resources for Christian scholarship within China

Evening: Informal Interaction/project presentations

Morning

Visit to IWR/the National Library/Beida Library

15:00-17:30

Priorities and Opportunities for Collaboration:

(1) Building up resources for  the Study of Christianity in mainland China (three presentations)

Evening: Informal Interaction/project presentations

8:30-10:30

Priorities and Opportunities for Collaboration:

(2) Building up international networks for advancing the Study of Christianity in China (three presentations)

11:00-12:30

Panel Discussion: What next?

Afternoon

Departure