News—Launch of DCBAsia

Free online database on Christianity in Asia launches

The Dictionary of Christian Biography in Asia (DCB Asia)—a free online database of stories related to the growth of Christianity in Asia—was launched on 17 April 2022.

A collaboration between Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM) and Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF), the database includes biographies of Asian, non-Asian, and indigenous Christian church leaders and laity from various denominations, who have made an impact on the growth of Christianity in Asia. It also contains historical accounts of religious movements, churches and Christian communities around Asia.

This project was born out of the recognition that while Christianity in Asia has a rich history, very little has been documented about Asian Christians, who have played significant roles in its growth on this continent. Towards the end of 2020, Founder and Executive Director Dr Tai Kim Teng met with Bishop Emeritus Dr Hwa Yung (Methodist Church in Malaysia) in Seremban, and discussed the possibility of starting such a database.

“God’s story in Asia is a rich tapestry, woven together by the many remarkable men and women who have shared the gospel, built churches and become pillars of the faith in their regions throughout the centuries,” said Dr Tai, sharing how he saw a need to preserve these Asian stories.

The database aims to contribute to a scholarly understanding of Christianity in Asia by providing a library of research for scholars and seminary students, ensuring that each story is researched and fact-checked before publishing, while making these stories readable to inspire Christians. Some of the biographies include well-known Methodists such as Goh Hood Keng, who pastored the Straits Chinese Methodist Church (now Kampong Kapor Methodist Church); Ho Seng Ong, a former principal of Anglo-Chinese School Penang and first Asian minister in Wesley Church in Melaka and Kuala Lumpur; and Khoo Oon Soo and his wife, Loh Siew Lan, who pioneered The Boys’ Brigade and The Girls’ Brigade in Malaysia.

Contributors to this inter-denominational database will come from different spheres, including academia, church, and mission agencies. Seminaries in the region are likely to play an important role as participating institutions and Dr Tai envisions a significant number of contributions to come from seminary students.

It is DCB Asia’s prayer that the core team will eventually comprise an international team of Asian scholars and others. “We want to welcome the involvement of more seminaries, churches and Christian organisations to be part of this exciting project,” Dr Tai told Methodist Message.

To visit the website, scan the QR code >> or go to https://www.dcbasia.org/