Chennai, India – In a historic ecumenical venture, Protestants, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal churches and independent scholars with expertise in various disciplines have jointly undertaken a major project to document and preserve Christianity’s critical role in South Asian history, Christian Today has confirmed.

The project, headed by Chennai-based Dr. Roger E. Hedlund, involves preparation of a Dictionary on South Asian Christianity (DSAC).

"It is an instrument to support, preserve, and enhance Christianity’s integral role in nation building and socio-economic development throughout the region," said Dr. Hedlund, Project director and chief editor of the 1000-page dictionary. "Rising religious extremism has led to an alarming disregard of the historical impact of Christianity on the history and culture of South Asia. Human rights are violated, and the historic presence and contributions of Christians are deliberately ignored. Against this trend, the dictionary will present a witness and defense of the gospel."

The dictionary, expected to be released by 2006, will provide a basic reference tool for Christian laity, students, scholars, historians, researchers, church leaders, pastors and missionaries.

A panel of international consultants, heads of churches, and an editorial board consisting of seven South Asian scholars are guiding the research project.

Regional and country editors as well as leading scholars from the region are already working to compile the dictionary. A series of writers’ workshops in different parts of South Asia are underway in preparation of the dictionary.

Dr. Hedlund said the dictionary is aimed at contributing towards the growth and preservation of the Christian Faith in South Asia at a time of tension in the region springing from militant religious fundamentalism.

During this time of strident religious rhetoric and growing religious nationalism in South Asia, Dr Hedlund said that this project is critical to the quest for a clear and confident Christian identity and witness in South Asia.






Surojit Chatterjee
Christian Today Correspondent