International Scholars Convene in Hong Kong to Explore East Asian Christian Heritage

By GH Newsroom
Matteo Ricci
Matteo Ricci, an Italian Jesuit missionary, traveled to the Ming Dynasty in 1583 (the eleventh year of the reign of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty). He was one of the pioneers of Catholic missionary work in China.

The Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History at Boston College is set to host a four-day international conference in Hong Kong, focusing on the Christian heritage of East Asia. Participants will also have the opportunity to join "two evening historical site tours" with a special emphasis on the Christian history of Macau.

This four-day conference will take place from December 10 to 13 in Hong Kong and is co-organized by the Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History at Boston College and the Department of Chinese at the University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Arts. The theme of the conference is "The Historical Legacy of Christianity in East Asia: Bridging the Next Generation of Scholars and Academia."

The conference will feature multiple lectures delivered by senior scholars and include interactive sessions. These sessions will feature senior editors from Brill Academic Publishers, a Dutch academic journal and book publisher, along with other scholars. Additionally, invited experts will provide individual mentorship to attendees.

The conference will be conducted in English, and participants will have the opportunity to join "two evening historical site tours" focused on the Christian history of Macau.

Scholars interested in attending this conference must meet certain qualifications, including having completed a PhD and dissertation defense, or having earned a PhD within the past five years and currently engaged in research or teaching, such as postdoctoral researchers, independent scholars, or early-career academics.

As part of this initiative, the Ricci Institute has launched the focal series "East Asian Christian History Studies," which aims to delve deeper into topics within this field.

According to the Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History's online information, the primary goals of this academic event include:

  1. Establishing a new platform for communication and promoting research on the history of Christianity in East Asia.
  2. Conducting in-depth analysis of themes related to East Asian Christianity, publishing primary sources in multiple languages, and undertaking significant translation work.
  3. Expanding the understanding of Chinese Christian studies by incorporating historical perspectives from Japan and Korea.
  4. Promoting the ongoing development of this academic field through targeted seminars, scholarships, and publications, thereby connecting scholars from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  5. Providing practical training for the next generation of scholars worldwide to help them effectively communicate their research within their respective and other academic traditions.
    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories