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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 the meeting place of diverse cultures and spiritual traditions, and this conference aims to shine a spotlight on these communities, their rich histories, and their living legacy today, as well as to highlight Anglican relations with these churches over the years. The conference is organised around three sessions: Session 1 – The Assyrian Church of the East and South and Southeast AsiaTopics may include the Assyrian Church of the East’s historic mission to China and Japan; cultural encounter between East Syriac Christianity and Buddhism; how mission offered an alternative to conciliar Christology in the fifth century and beyond; and the Church of the East in dialogue with Syriac Orthodoxy and Indian Orthodoxy today. Session 2 – Oriental Orthodoxy and South AsiaTopics may include the common history of Syriac Orthodoxy and Indian Orthodoxy, including the Syrian response to the Mar Thoma Christians’ desire to rediscover their apostolic succession; the Jacobite–Malankara schism, its history and future; and the ecumenical and interfaith legacy of Paulos Gregorios. Session 3 – Indian Churches in DialogueTopics may include the history of the United Churches (the Church of South India, the Church of North India, the Church of Pakistan, and the Church of Bangladesh); the historical presence of Christianity in India, colonisation, and the path forward; and Indian Christianity and interfaith dialogue. Presentations are welcome on historical, cultural, liturgical, spiritual, pastoral, and other topics related to the conference themes. 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. Join us for what promises to be a rich and important day of scholarship and dialogue. For more information, contact geoffrey.ready@utoronto.ca
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