The Italian Chinese Theological Seminary (ICTS) was inaugurated on 12 April 2022 in Rome (Italy).

The inauguration was attended by about 300 people, many representatives of Chinese churches in Italy and some from other European countries, as well as about 30 Italian guests.

This new institution will carry out its activities in a refurbished hotel that was purchased by the Chinese Christian Church in Italy, a grouping of 55 Chinese churches. The building is located within the area of the Tor Vergata University.

According to the seminary’s leadership, its aim is to train new generations of ministers of the gospel for the Chinese churches in Italy and Europe and to encourage the work of the gospel in Italy.

A focus on Biblical truth and mission

The ceremony was led by Liang Yanming and had several touching moments, including songs and prayers. The sermon by pastor Lin Ri Feng emphasised that formation must be for the whole person; it must explain the Word of God according to the truth and must have a missionary focus aimed to reach “all peoples”.

The Italian Evangelical Alliance attended the event. Leonardo De Chirico, leader of the Theology and Dialogue commission, expressed its thankfulness for the fact that the institute is both “Italian” and “Chinese”, and the desire of integration and partnership in the Gospel with local evangelical churches. He encouraged Chinese Christian leaders to “understand Italy, its cultural and religious challenges”. Evangelical Christians, he added, are “here to collaborate”. The AEI gave several books on Italian evangelical theology as gifts for the Seminary’s library.

Learn more about the Italian Chinese Theological Seminary by visiting its website (Chinese language).