Fuller Seminary Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month With Reflections on Faith

Fuller Theological Seminary’s Asian American Center is hosting a series of events this May to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to reflect deeply on the past, present, and future of the Asian American church.

The events begin with a hybrid event titled “Past, Present, and Future of the Asian American Church” on May 1 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and May 2 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. It will feature conversations and lectures by esteemed figures including Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, a professor and pastor; Dr. Timothy Tseng, a historian; Dr. Gordon Nagayama Hall, a professor of psychology at the University of Oregon; and Dr. Jessica ChenFeng, a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Registration is required and free for the public, with more information available on Fuller’s website https://www.fuller.edu/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month-celebration/.

Dr. Rah will deliver a sermon at a special chapel service in Travis Auditorium, followed by a reception. Dr. Hall will present a lecture on the personal relevance of psychotherapy for Asian Americans, offering insights into overcoming historical disparities in mental health.

On May 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the inaugural Communities of Hope Conference will bring together pastors, ministry leaders, and mental health practitioners in Payton Hall 101 to explore well-being in church and community contexts. Organized by the Asian American Well-being Collaboratory, panels will cover topics like health, gender, generations, and collaboration between therapists and clergy. Registration is required for this event.

Fuller will host an event on May 29 at the Japanese American National Museum to launch the Asian American Christian History Institute, an initiative led by Dr. Tseng to highlight the narratives of Asian American Christians. Further details will be announced closer to the event.

“Through these gatherings, we aim not only to honor the Asian American community’s heritage but also to envision a future where their contributions continue to shape and inspire the global Church,” said Dr. Daniel Lee, the academic dean of Fuller’s Center for Asian American Theology and Ministry.

Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, the president of Fuller Theological Seminary, added: “These events underscore Fuller’s commitment to celebrating and understanding the vibrant variety of expressions of faith within our community.”

Fuller’s Center for Asian American Theology and Ministry researches, equips and resources the Asian American church. Through a contextualized understanding of the gospel, it enables students and community members to lead effectively and addresses the complex needs and leadership potentials of East, Southeast, and South Asian Americans. The center provides a nuanced approach to multiethnic and adoptee experiences, and navigates ethnic-specific and pan-Asian American contexts.

Fuller Seminary, one of the world’s largest multidenominational seminaries, has a global enrollment of over 3,000 students. It offers courses at its campuses in Pasadena, Houston, and Phoenix, as well as online. The seminary grants master’s and doctoral degrees through its School of Mission and Theology and School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Nondegree courses and professional training are available through FULLER Equip, its digital learning platform. Fuller describes itself as a “global ecclesial, evangelical, ecumenical, and egalitarian Christian institution.”