September - October 2024

The Church in Asia

We have heard a great deal in the last twenty years about the growth of Christianity in what is called the Global South, as compared to the Global North, where most of us live. “Global South” includes all of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. “Global North” means North America, Europe, and Japan—as well as Australia and New Zealand, countries that, although located in the southern hemisphere, are connected economically and politically with the others in the north.

It seems to us that Africa and Latin America have received a lot of attention in recent months and years, when Christians talk about the state of their faith around the world, and the peoples of Asia much less so. We have tried to address some of that lack, and understand some of the important trends, with this important issue of the magazine. We bring you firsthand accounts of lived faith experience from Japan, China, India, and the Philippines.