'Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future'

International History Conference Slated for Hong Kong in June 2012

Posted Mar 5, 2012

[Anglican Province of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui] The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican Church) is hosting a three-day international academic conference, June 7 – 9, in Hong Kong. The gathering is the first of its kind to study the history of the Anglican-Episcopal presence in China. It commemorates the founding of the Chung Hua Sheng Kung Hui (The Holy Catholic Church of China) in 1912. The conference will be followed by a Eucharistic service in St. John’s Cathedral.

The conference theme is “Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future: Anglican-Episcopal History in China and its Impact on the Church Today.” It will bring together more than 30 scholars to present papers on a full range of subjects on Anglican-Episcopal history in China. The languages of the conference are Chinese (Putonghua) and English, with simultaneous interpretation provided. Organized by the HKSKH Theological Education Commission and SKH Ming Hua Theological College, the conference will be held at the Mariners’ Club in Kowloon, the home of the historic Mission to Seafarers.

In addition to scholars from Hong Kong, participants include academics from Mainland China, Taiwan, North America, and Europe, many of whom are leading scholars in their fields. They will present papers on diverse aspects of Chinese Anglican history, including biographical studies, parish histories, theological analyses and Anglican work in education, social service and publications. Nine separate panels are planned, covering the entire period of Anglican-Episcopal mission and Chung Hua Sheng Kung Hui work in China, from the first decades of the nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century.

A display of rare and historic photographs from the period history and other materials drawn from the HKSKH archives will bring an added dimension to the scholarly offerings.

Archbishop Paul Kwong has commented, “I am very pleased that we are hosting this important conference on our history. We are a thinking church, a church that cherishes our history and tradition. This conference will help us better understand our background in China, its continuing impact on the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, and its importance for our future. ”

For further information, e-mail Mr. K. C. Hui, team leader of the Conference Preparatory Committee at kchui@hotmail.co.uk.