Religion and Human Rights in China

Revised Call for Papers

Symposium on
RELIGION AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA
Saturday, 30 May 2009 Toronto, Canada

The York Centre for Asian Research (YCAR) at York University, Centre for Asian-Canadian Theology and Ministry at Knox College, University of Toronto and the Hudson Taylor Centre for Chinese Ministries at Tyndale College invite scholars, religious organizations and human rights workers to share their research and experience in a one-day symposium on *Religion and Human Rights in China*, to take place in Toronto on Saturday, May 30, 2009. Professor Pitman Potter (University of British Columbia) will be the keynote speaker.

The 2008 Olympic Games brought unprecedented international attention to China’s human rights practices, as well as intensified repression against Tibetan Buddhists, Uighur Muslims and Falun Dafa practitioners.

At the same time, expansion of religious activity in China has created the greatest religious revival in human history, especially for Buddhism and Christianity. Observers have noted the highly diverse application of religious policies by local governments. For Protestants and Catholics, it is no longer possible to posit a simple dichotomy between officially recognized and unregistered churches, or Catholics loyal to Rome versus the official Catholic Church. Religious charities such as the Taiwan-based Tzu-Chi Buddhist Compassion Relief Association or the Protestant Amity Foundation play an important role providing social services to Chinese society.

The organizers invite presentations examining the diversity of religious practice in China, Communist Party religious policy, the contributions of religion to human rights and civil society in China, and the connection between religion and dissent. Presentations examining these from the perspective of human rights discourse, and asking how religion can contribute to human rights in China are especially welcome. Organizers will attempt to pair academic and activist presentations to achieve a dynamic exchange between different perspectives and dialogue between religions who do not usually meet.

Abstracts of approximately 250 words and a short bio should be submitted by *Monday, 2 March 2009* to ycar@yorku.ca. Successful applicants will be notified by late March. Panel submissions are also welcome.

For more information, visit http://www.yorku.ca/ycar/Events/religion_human_rights_china.html or
contact organizer Michael Stainton at Michaels@yorku.ca or 416.736.2100 ext 33068.