After Liberation in the early 1950s all the various denominational Protestant
seminaries combined into Nanjing Union Theological Seminary as the churches
made their adjustments to their future under the new order of things.
During the Cultural Revolution all religious institutions were closed,
but shortly after the end of that period, Nanjing was the first seminary
to be reopened. Now there are now more than eighteen provincial seminaries
or theological training centers in major cities, some with large new facilities
and growing student bodies. These are providing undergraduate education
for future clergy and short training courses for lay leaders or pastors
already serving. Nanjing Seminary has also a large undergraduate
program, and a national correspondence program with over 3000 enrolled.
It is the only seminary currently to offer a recognized Master’s degree,
with ten students admitted each year for a three year program who on graduation
are expected to become teachers in other seminaries or leaders in the provincial
Christian councils.
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Seminary Chapel, three times a week.
Easter Sunrise service by the seminary community
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| Anne Wire, with Wen Ge, lecturer in theology, and Professor Chen Ze Min, Vice Principle of the seminary, and Caroline and Jim Higgenbotham. Chen, now 85, trained in sociology of religion, has been a constant source of stabilizing and forward thinking leadership in theological education. Ge, in his late 20s, represents the new future leadership. Missing are those in their 50s, because of the cultural revolution. Visiting professors, like Wire and Higgenbotham, represent an effort to bridge the current gap in trained academic leadership. | One of the newer seminary buildings, providing housing for students. The seminary has a gardener who constantly provides new flowers for the grounds. |
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Anne Wire, Presbyterian, Carolyn and Jim Higginbotham, Disciples, are currently serving one year as visiting professors at the seminary. Anne teaches a course in the New Testament, Carolyn courses in the Old Testament, Jim a course on the history of Christian thought. Three other foreign teachers will be following them next term, though in different fields.
Christmas eve the seminary community, as
do all the churches, prepares a special program and service for outsiders.
More than one thousand students from nearby universities come to the seminary
on Christmas eve for a service of carols, skits, and preaching.
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For description of Christmas Eve service, see Presbyterian mission letter by Hugh Wire