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China and Hong Kong:             
Transition, Development, and the Role of the Church
May 26 – June 9, 2008

Plowshares Institute; Columbia Theological Seminary; and Hartford Seminary; are co-sponsoring this traveling seminar to the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.  This seminar will use the church as a window in examining Chinese society, especially as it pertains to issues of transition and development.  Through personal dialogue with church, government, and academic leaders, participants will wrestle with the issues facing China including environmental degradation, poverty, and human rights and reflect upon what these challenges mean in light of increasing global interdependence. 

This seminar will begin in Beijing where participants will dialogue with Chinese government representatives, members of the US diplomatic corps, and academic leaders from the American Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.  The delegation will also be introduced to China’s rich culture through visits to renowned cultural sites such as the Great Wall, Tian'anmen Square, and the Forbidden City.  The delegation will then take a train to Shanghai where we will meet with leaders from the Three Self Movement and the Church in China, China’s official Christian church.  In route participants will have the opportunity to see some of Chinas more rural areas.  In Shanghai we will consider issues such as post-denominationalism and the role of the church within a transitioning society.  From here we will travel to Nanjing, a city many consider to be China’s academic capital where we will be hosted by the Jingling Theological Seminary, China’s premier institution for theological reflection.  In Nanjing we will meet with the leaders of the Amity Foundation, the social development arm of the Church in China, and visit one of the social development projects they are conducting.

Finally, we will conclude with a visit to Hong Kong, now a Special Administrative Region of China.  The cultural diversity of life in the former British colony, the center of capitalist-oriented trade with Asia and the U.S., serves as a stimulating complement to life in mainland China.  Our hosts in Hong Kong will reflect with us upon the political and economic changes facing both the Mainland and Hong Kong before we return to the United States.

At the seminar’s conclusion participants are encouraged to share what they have learned with constituencies back in the United States through presentations and/or written pieces.  Therefore personal and group reflection is an important component of this seminar, allowing participants to digest and dialogue with one another about the issues and positions being raised by the many leaders with whom we meet. 

How to Join Us: Admission to the seminar is by application.  The group is limited to twenty-five participants.  The total cost for the traveling seminar, including travel to/from the United States, housing, and all meals is US $3800, subject to change due to possible increase in airfares.  All costs, except for passports and personal expenses, are included.  A completed application and a deposit of $500 are due by March 1, 2008.  Academic credit is available for this seminar through partnership with co-sponsoring academic institutions.  A limited number of partial scholarships for women and minorities are available.

Arrangements for the Seminar: The seminar will be led by David Bartlett, Professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, and Elizabeth Vélez, Plowshares Coordinator for Programs and Training.   Admission to the seminar is by application and personal or phone interview.  The group is limited to twenty-five participants selected on the basis of commitment to the three covenants and the ability to contribute to a group seeking balanced ecumenical and multi-cultural representation.  The total seminar cost for each participant, including travel from the East Coast, housing, and all meals, is $3800, subject to change due to possible airfare increases.  All costs, except for passports and personal expenses, are included.  Applications and a deposit of $500 should be submitted to Plowshares by March 1, 2008.

For more information or to register: Contact Plowshares; Seminar Application