|
 |
Welcome to the Ferdinand Verbiest Institute website
|
The Ferdinand Verbiest Institute is a Belgium-based institute
sponsored by Ferdinand Verbiest Foundation
- Leuven and hosted by the Catholic University of Leuven and committed to the dialogue between Europe and China.
The Institute was named after the Belgian Jesuit-astronomer at the Chinese court, Ferdinand Verbiest
(1623-1688). Faithful to the inspiration of its patron, the Institute combines scholarly exchange with an active interest in the Church of China.
Historical research on the Belgian presence in China has been the red thread through the Institute's research programme since
the foundation in 1982. Currently, the Institute is strengthening its role as an observatory on religion and society in modern China. |
| projects |
researchers |
offices |
The Institute gathers expertise, particularly, but not exclusively, in the field of religion and Christianity in China.
By tradition, it also invests heavily in the study of 17th and 20th century missionary history of China.
- ongoing projects
- past projects
|
The Institute's research programme is carried out by
some own researchers. The Institute also supports external researchers for designated projects.
|
 |
 |
Staff at the Institute's Leuven office closely works together with its colleagues in Taiwan. As a bridge to mainland China, our Taipei office monitors and ensures the continuity of our programmes in China
- Leuven office and staff
- Taipei office and staff
|
| Serving the Church of China |
 |
Since the early 1980s the Institute has been involved in various forms of cooperation with the Church and Church-related organizations in China
- development and charitable work
- dialogue with civil and religious authorities
- recent initiatives
|
 |
| Verbiest Chair |
Scheut Memorial Library |
 |
The Verbiest Chair in Leuven serves as a platform for scholars, to address issues relevant to the Institute's research and training programme. |
 |
|
- how it began
- previous Verbiest lecturers
|
The Verbiest Institute is heir to a number of scholarly libraries. In the early 1990s, these libraries were brought together as the "Scheut Memorial Library". The Library is a tribute to the pioneering work of Belgian missionary-scholars in China and adjacent areas prior to 1949. |
|
 |
| NEWSFLASH
|
|
| news from the Church in China |
(more)
archive |
| update on religion and religious policy in China |
archive
|
|

|