In a stride toward deepening the understanding and expanding the reach of Christianity in East Asia, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary is thrilled to announce the inauguration of the East Asian Christianity Conference. The conference series is generously sponsored by the Dao Feng & Angela Foundation which shares Gordon-Conwell’s commitment to fostering educational excellence, cultural understanding, and spiritual development. The Bedrock Foundation is also partnering with the Dao Feng & Angela Foundation to provide volunteer support. This seminal series will convene scholars and practitioners from across the globe to explore the development, challenges, and opportunities for Christianity in a region marked by its rich tapestry of cultures and histories.

In recent decades, Christianity has witnessed meaningful expansion across East Asia, thoughtfully navigating persecution, cultural integration, and interreligious dialogue. The East Asian Christianity Conference aims to harness these experiences, offering a platform for comparative research and practical application in church ministry and mission. 

Through this collaborative endeavor, prominent scholars from East and West, church leaders, and front-line missionaries along with students and faculty from the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium (BTI), will engage in critical discussions about Christianity’s place and promise in East Asia. The reimagination of Christian outreach and leadership will be informed by both academic research and practical ministry experiences. The conference will also include times of corporate worship and prayer.

The planning committee for the programming includes President Scott Sunquist, Dr. Xiyi Yao, Dr. Eun Ah Cho, and Dr. Todd Johnson from Gordon-Conwell; Dr. Antoni Ucerler from the Ricci Institute at Boston College; and Dr. Daryl Ireland from Boston University. The inaugural session will be held on Gordon-Conwell’s Hamilton campus April 3 to 5, 2025, and then move to various locations across East Asia in subsequent years. Each conference will delve into themes such as the societal impact of Christianity in Asia, intra-Asian Christian development, and Christian vitality amidst persecution.

With an eye on the future, the conference will be a lodestar for ongoing dialogue and exploration within the field of East Asian Christianity. The seminary plans to publish the gleanings and outcomes of these conferences in English, Chinese, and Korean—further extending the reach and impact of this vital conversation to a broader audience.

We invite scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in the flourishing of Christianity in East Asia to join us in this exciting new initiative. Together, let us embark on this journey of exploration, understanding, and inspiration as we witness the unfolding story of Christianity in East Asia.

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