Conference: Looking Eastward – How South Asian Christianity Inspires the Global Church in Unity and Mission
The purpose of this event is twofold: first, to raise awareness and increase appreciation for the long history and tradition of Christianity in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and adjacent areas of Iran and Iraq, as well as contact with East Asia); and second, to nurture engagement between Anglicans and Oriental Orthodox Christians in the greater Toronto region.
Christianity in South Asia has both Anglican and Orthodox expressions—specifically Oriental Orthodox in the Syriac Orthodox Church of Syria and India and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, as well as Assyrian Church of the East Christians. South Asian churches have long been meeting places for diverse cultures and spiritual traditions, and this conference aims to spotlight these communities, their rich histories, and their living legacy today, as well as to highlight Anglican relations with these churches over the years.
Join us for what promises to be a rich and important day of scholarship and dialogue.
- Session 1 – The Assyrian Church of the East and South and Southeast Asia
- Session 2 – Oriental Orthodoxy and South Asia
- Session 3 – Indian Churches in Dialogue
Each paper will be approximately 20 minutes in length, followed by a shared question period with fellow panellists.
Alongside the conference, we are offering a $500 prize for the best essay on any theme related to the conference. The prize is open to current theology students at the Toronto School of Theology or elsewhere (basic or advanced degree), as well as students in related disciplines, and to anyone who has graduated in 2023 or later. Follow-up support will be provided to assist the winning essayist in getting their work published. For more details on how to submit your work, contact geoffrey.ready@utoronto.ca