Saturday will include a series of concurrent panels where noted scholars and experts share their insights and respond to the questions of conference participants.

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Insofar as the theme of this conference is the engagement between Christianity and Chinese civilization, panels may examine this theme in light of recent developments, the larger horizon of shared values, and/or pursuit of the common good.

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Bridges between China and the West: Three case studies

 

Panelists examine the contribution and insights of Chinese and Westerners who played important roles in intercultural dialogue in the life of the Church.

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The Sino-Vatican accord in historical and comparative perspective

 

In October 2020, the Vatican and Beijing renewed an informal accord on the appointment of bishops in China. How does this compare with similar arrangements in other historical contexts?

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Sinicization of religion: Meaning and application

 

In recent decades, missiologists have emphasized the importance of enculturation and indigenization. Meanwhile, in the past five years, Chinese regulations on the sinicization of religion – the necessity that it adapts to the Chinese context – have been promulgated. What is the upshot and impact of these new norms?

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China and Environmental Stewardship: The Contribution of The Churches

 

China, which boasts the world's fastest growing economy, also has a fast growing list of environmental problems.  For this reason, China is also pursuing innovative solutions to climate change and environmental degradation.  What role have China's Christians played in supporting sustainability?  In light of Laudato si', do environmental issues constitute a possible area of collaboration between Chinese leadership and the Churches?

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Urbanization and Its Far-Reaching Implications

 

China’s rapid urbanization has important consequences for every aspect of people’s social life, and this includes their spiritual life. How has rapid urbanization affected the faith, practice, and communal life of Chinese Christians?

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The Coronavirus, the Global Community, and the Church

 

How has the coronavirus pandemic affected the Church in China? How did Christians respond to the pandemic? What lessons do we draw from this experience?

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Sino-Christian theology: Chinese intellectuals engage Christian tradition

 

In recent decades, scholars throughout China have studied the Bible and Christian theology. Some have written on Christian theology from a Chinese academic perspective. What have they had to say? What is the significance of this intellectual movement?

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Chinese Christian Spirituality

 

Christian mission is often imagined to be a unidirectional enterprise. In fact, Christianity also has learned from and been enriched by each culture it has encountered, from Syria and the Greco-Roman world to the far reaches of Asia. How have Chinese culture and philosophy proffered fresh perspectives to Western Christians? How have Chinese spiritual traditions enriched Christianity?

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Civic Controversy in Hong Kong and Christian Community

 

Recent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong have divided the island’s community. How have these protests affected Hong Kong’s Christian churches? And how have they responded to these developments?

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Young People in Contemporary China

 

What are the challenges and concerns of young people in China? What do most young Chinese typically learn about religious faith? Why do some embrace Christianity?

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Women and Faith Communities in China Today

 

Panelists reflect on the role that women play in the life of their faith community and the contributions that those communities make to the larger society in China. 

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Download the Call for Papers for Saturday’s academic panels.

 

Decisions of abstracts submitted will be published on November 20, and thereafter, within 10 days of submission.

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Once the conference dates have been confirmed, the full list of presenters and the topics they will address will be available here.

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