News of the extended network of faculty, alumni, students, visiting researchers, and mission partners is regularly updated, and some of the big ideas or major events in Global Christianity are covered in the CGCM News.

Wei Eric Wu

By dri September 5th, 2026 in Visiting Researchers

Wei "Eric" Wu is a historian specializing in the intellectual history of modern China, with particular interests in nationalism, national identity, collective memory, and the formation of political thought and ideology. He graduated from the Department of History at National Chengchi University in Taiwan, where he received his PhD. 
His research has explored the history of Christianity and Christian missionaries in modern China, with a particular interest in the history of missionaries who suffered persecution and even martyrdom during the communist revolution. His doctoral dissertation reconstructs the experiences of missionaries who were persecuted and killed by Communist armies, drawing on periodicals and newspapers published by churches and mission societies — primary sources that have received comparatively little scholarly attention. Based on these historical accounts, his dissertation examined how a collective sense of victimhood, as revealed in anti-Christian movements during the Communist revolutionary era, shaped the thoughts and ideologies of local Chinese communities and contributed to an increasing inclination toward strong political leadership, centralized power, and totalitarian party-state rule. 
He has presented his research at academic conferences, including the 2026 Telos-Paul Piccone Institute conference “The Chinese New Leviathan” in New York. His current research further examines the mechanisms through which a collective victimhood mentality can generate expectations for a strong political leader. From another perspective, this can be viewed as an investigation in "how political leaders and elites instrumentalized popular hatred and fear of Westerners, portraying them as 'Western imperialists'." It also considers these questions from a theological perspective, asking how the rejection of God may contribute to the development of totalitarian political orders. To explore these relationships, he is developing mathematical modeling as a methodological tool for historical and theoretical analysis. 

Brett Pardue

By dri September 4th, 2026 in People, Visiting Researchers

Rev. Dr. Brett McKinley Pardue is a pastor-scholar, public theologian, and sacred artist whose work asks how Christian communities learn what holiness looks like—and why some bodies are trusted to bear sacred authority while others are not. His scholarship is rooted in congregational life: he serves as resident theologian and Principal Organist at North Raleigh United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

As a Visiting Researcher at the Center, Pardue is developing Picturing the Credible Christian, a study of how Christian posters from Republican-era China used image, text, and song to teach communities what credible Christian life should look and sound like. His writing has appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Homiletic, Faith & Leadership, and United Methodist News.

Jaeshin Lee

By dri June 26th, 2026 in People, Visiting Researchers

Jaeshin Lee (李在信) is a religious studies scholar specializing in Sino-Western cultural exchange and Jesuit mission history in East Asia. His research focuses on the transmission of Western learning (西學) in Ming–Qing China, with particular attention to Portuguese Jesuit Francisco Furtado (傅汎際) and the intellectual mediations of the early Jesuit mission. His doctoral dissertation, "From the Temple to the Altar: A Study of the Portuguese Jesuit Francisco Furtado," was completed at Fudan University under the supervision of Prof. Li Tiangang (李天纲), with the degree formally conferred in June 2026.

His recent publications include two sole-authored articles in KCI-indexed journals: "A Study on the Formation of Sinology: Focusing on Xixue fan and the Macao Ratio Studiorum" (Theology and Philosophy, 2026) and "Early Jesuit Mission Strategy in China as Seen through Furtado's 1621 Annual Letter" (Journal of Mission Theology, 2026). He has presented his research at international venues including Boston College, the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, and the University of Science and Technology of China. He is currently a Visiting Researcher at the Boston University Center for Global Christianity and Mission, and serves as Secretary-General of the Historical Society of Asian Christianity.

Alumnus Travis Myers (’15) Celebrates Commencement Season at LCC International University

By gesl May 12th, 2026 in Alumni Profiles and News

We’re delighted to celebrate Travis L. Myers ('15), a proud alumnus of Boston University School of Theology, for his leadership and service at LCC International University as Interim Academic Vice President.

In late April, LCC International University hosted a remarkable series of events over four days, including Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies, a retirement tribute honoring the university president, an alumni gathering, and the grand opening of the new Learning Commons. The celebrations also highlighted new campus spaces, including the coffee shop, atrium, and executive meeting room.

This commencement season was especially meaningful for Dr. Myers, whose first semester at LCC coincided with the graduating class’s first semester at the university. He had the honor of sashing every graduate and serving as emcee for both Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies.

Congratulations, Dr. Myers, on this significant season of leadership and celebration. We are grateful for the ways you continue to serve global Christian higher education with wisdom, care, and excellence.

BU STH Alum (’18) Reflects on Pope Leo’s Visit to Cameroon

By gesl April 30th, 2026 in Africa, Alumni Profiles and News, Catholicism

The Center for Global Christianity & Mission is pleased to share a recent article in America Magazine featuring a Boston University School of Theology alumnus, Jean Luc Enyegue ('18).
The article reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Cameroon, where he has been received as a “direct, reassuring, and prophetic voice.” His message speaks to the hopes and struggles of local communities while drawing global attention to ongoing conflict and the role of faith in public life.
We invite you to read and engage this timely reflection on mission, leadership, and global Christianity: https://www.americamagazine.org/vatican-dispatch/2026/04/27/pope-leo-cameroon-jesuit/

Virtual Book Launch of “Chinese Christian Witness” on 14-15 May 2026

By gesl April 8th, 2026 in Announcements, Asia, China, History of Christianity in China, Publications

The Center for Global Christianity & Mission invites you to a virtual book launch celebrating Chinese Christian Witness: Identity, Creativity, Transmission and Poetics, edited by Xiaoli Yang and Daryl R. Ireland.

This volume represents a landmark first attempt to explore how Chinese Christians understand and participate in mission. Bringing together diverse perspectives, it offers new insights into missiology, identity, and the lived expressions of Christian faith within Chinese contexts. The book contributes significantly to ongoing conversations in World Christianity and Mission Studies.

Join us from around the world: 🌎 May 14 – 6:00 PM (Los Angeles) | 🌎 May 14 – 9:00 PM (Boston) | 🌏 May 15 – 9:00 AM (Beijing) | 🌏 May 15 – 11:00 AM (Melbourne)

Click here to watch the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URG_6PPLBv8

Click here for PDF Flyer.

Celebrating New Book on Justo L. González by Angel D. Santiago-Vendrell (’07)

By gesl April 8th, 2026 in Alumni Profiles and News, Latin America, Publications, World Christianity

The Center of Global Christianity and Mission is pleased to highlight a new publication by Angel D. Santiago-Vendrell (BU STH Alum'08), focusing on the life and work of Justo L. González, one of the most influential voices in the study of church history and global Christianity.

This volume not only examines Dr. González’s theological and historical contributions but also reflects a deeply personal dimension, as it is dedicated to Dana Robert, whose scholarship and mentorship have profoundly shaped the field.

📘 More information about the book can be found here:
https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481324014/justo-l-gonzalez/

World Christianity and Mission Symposium on 17 April

By gesl March 20th, 2026 in Announcements, World Christianity

World Christianity and Mission: A Symposium on Three New Books

Join us for a special symposium featuring presentations on three new books in the field of World Christianity and mission. This event brings together leading scholars whose work engages critical questions of theology, global Christianity, and contemporary mission practice. Click here for the PDF flyer. 

Presentations will be given by:

  • Prof. Eugene Baron (University of Johannesburg)

  • Dr. Nuam Hatzaw (University of Edinburgh & Church Mission Society)

  • Dr. Laura Popa (University of Cambridge)

Event Details
📅 April 17, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (BST)
📍 Westminster College, Cambridge & Online

Refreshments and lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

This is a free event. Donations are welcome to help cover costs.

🔗 Register via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981313250267?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information, please contact: centre@cccw.cam.ac.uk

East Asian Christianity Conference, 9-11 April 2026

By gesl March 20th, 2026 in Announcements, Asia, Missiology, World Christianity

What is the future of Christianity in East Asia—and what can the global Church learn from it today?

The East Asian Christianity Conference brings together leading scholars, church leaders, and practitioners from across the globe to explore the dynamic growth, challenges, and lived realities of Christianity in East Asia. From questions of cultural engagement and interreligious dialogue to themes of persecution, mission, and theological development, this conference offers a unique space for thoughtful reflection and practical insight.

Hosted by Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, this three-day gathering integrates academic research with real-world ministry experience, equipping participants to better understand and engage the rapidly evolving landscape of global Christianity.

Event Details
📅 April 9–11, 2026
🕓 Begins April 9 at 4:00 PM | Concludes April 11 at 2:00 PM
📍 Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton Campus (130 Essex St, South Hamilton, MA)

The conference will feature presentations, discussions, and times of worship, fostering meaningful dialogue between East and West on the present and future of Christian witness in Asia.

We welcome students, scholars, ministry leaders, and all who are interested in the global Church.

🔗 Check out the conference webpage for more information and the speaker list: https://www.gordonconwell.edu/event/east-asian-christianity-conference/

Film Screening of “Ben Between Africa” on 31 March 2026

By gesl March 19th, 2026 in Africa, CGCM Events

What does it mean to live between cultures, histories, and worlds?

Ben Between Africa is a powerful and deeply personal documentary that traces one man’s journey through memory, identity, and belonging. Framed by a missionary childhood, a final letter, and a lifelong search for home, the film invites viewers into a moving story that resonates across borders and generations. Click here for the PDF Flyer. 

The Center for Global Christianity and Mission, in collaboration with the African Studies Library and the African Studies Center, invites you to a special screening of this compelling film.

Event Details
Date: March 31, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Kenmore Classroom Building, Boston University (565 Commonwealth Avenue)

The screening will be followed by a Q&A and conversation with filmmaker Ari Nasser Ali, offering a unique opportunity to engage more deeply with the film’s themes and creative process.

We welcome students, scholars, and members of the wider community for an evening of film, reflection, and dialogue.

Registration is available via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ben-between-africa-documentary-tickets-1984404485234