The Centre for the Study of Christianity in China - Oxford

牛津中華基督教研究院

The Bible in China: Robert Morrison 200 years on

Study Day, September 1, 2007, 10am-4.30pm British Library Conference Centre, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB Co-sponsors: The Centre for the Study of Christianity in China (Oxford), Bible Society, CMS, OMF

A day for scholars and the general public to reflect on both the life and legacy of Robert Morrison, the first Protestant missionary to China (who arrived in Canton in 1807), and on the subsequent history of the Bible and Church in China.



Speakers from UK, HK, China and US, include: Prof Dan Bays ('Christianity in China to 1807'), Dr Chris Hancock ('Morrison: the man and his legacy'), Prof Archie Lee ('The Bible in China: 1807-2007'), Dr Benedict Kwok ('The registered churches in China'), Prof Samuel Chao ('The unregistered churches in China'), Prof Zhang Kaiyuan ('Christianity and Chinese Intellectuals')



Sandwich lunch available.

Pre-registration and unwaged £15 (£20 on the door).

Booking through Bible Society. Tel 01793 418222 or email contactus@biblesociety.org.uk

From more information: www.cscic.com

In early September 1807, a young Northumbrian, Robert Morrison (1782-1834), arrived in the trading port of Canton, commissioned by the London Missionary Society to first learn and then translate the Bible into Chinese, a language virtually unknown in the West at the time. Controversially employed from 1809 as official interpreter for the East India Company, in 1819 Morrison completed a translation of the Bible in Chinese. During a twenty-seven year residence in China Morrison laid the foundation for the Chinese Protestant Church and for the development of British sinology.

This study day explores Morrison’s legacy and the impact of his work on the history of Christianity in China and on Sino-British relations over the last two hundred years.

Key themes explored during the day:
- Morrison, missionaries and Sino-British relations -
- The history and impact of the Bible in China -
- Chinese Protestantism: a 200 year story -

In addition to key note speakers, there will be panel and plenary discussions.

For more information contact us on christianity.china@gmail.com

The Centre for the Study of Christianity in China (CSCIC) is a new academic initiative in Oxford, England. Based in a world-famous university city, the Centre is an independent academic resource for understanding and communicating the history, theology, vitality, and cultural impact of the Christian church in China.


Through research, publications, scholarships, seminars, colloquia, conferences, summer schools, public lectures and hosting visiting scholars, the Centre for the Study of Christianity in China is a resource both for the Chinese church and the western Academy.


The Centre for the Study of Christianity in China will provide opportunities for scholars and students from China to spend time in Oxford to undertake research into, or study of, Christianity and the church in China.


Through its international programmes, the Centre for the Study of Christianity in China offers people from all parts of the world a unique opportunity to engage with the story of Christianity in China

Contact us by e-mail for general queries

e-mail The Director - Dr Christopher Hancock

e-mail the Administrator - Meredith Riedel