How Women Brought Christianity to China

Christianity has been present in China since the 7th century—long before the arrival of Jesuit or Seventh-day Adventist missionaries. Yet for much of Chinese history, social norms meant women lived relatively private lives, interacting mostly with one another. “When I was reading Chinese Christian history,” guest Dr. Susangeline Patrick recalls, “I didn't initially see a lot of women's stories.”

And yet today, women are the backbone of China’s Christian movement—serving as pastors, leaders, and patrons. So what changed?

In this two-part series, we explore the surprising origins and growth of Christianity the 16th and 17th century China and the role women played in it. 

This is Part 1 of a two-part series on Christian Women in China.  

Guests: Dr. Joseph Lee and Dr. Susangeline Patrick.

Explore More

• Article | “The Remarkable Story of China’s ‘Bible Women’” - Christianity Today - https://www.christianitytoday.com/2018/03/christian-china-bible-women/
• Book | “A Model for All Christian Women:" Candida Xu, a Chinese Christian Woman of the Seventeenth Century’ by Gail King - https://www.routledge.com/A-Model-for-All-Christian-Women-Candida-Xu-a-Chinese-Christian-Woman-of-the-Seventeenth-Century/King/p/book/9780367682927?srsltid=AfmBOopVRXHImkJNtGAWNLA2ic2VUVREW_46MbDoBkG8ZZ_djwTseZr2