# Centre for the Study of World Christianity

> Research centre of the Edinburgh University School of Divinity

**Wikidata**: [Q20877028](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20877028)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_for_the_Study_of_World_Christianity)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/centre-for-the-study-of-world-christianity

## Summary
The Centre for the Study of World Christianity (CSWC) is a research institute established in 1982 as part of the University of Edinburgh's School of Divinity. It focuses on advancing scholarly understanding of global Christianity through research and houses significant archival collections. As an academic archive, it serves as a critical resource for studying the historical and cultural dimensions of Christian traditions worldwide.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1982 as a research centre within the University of Edinburgh School of Divinity.
- Located at Mound Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, with coordinates 55.9495° N, -3.1953° E.
- Serves dual roles as a "research institute" and "academic archive" (classified by Archives Portal Europe).
- Contact: Email (cswc-archives@ed.ac.uk) and postal address (EH1 2LX).
- Identifiers: VIAF ID 162389858, ISNI 0000000404617358, Ringgold ID 227969, Archon Code GB-3189.
- Website: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/divinity/research/centres/world-christianity/collections-resources.
- Wikipedia coverage in 2 languages (English, Chinese) under the title "Centre for the Study of World Christianity".
- Part of the Archives Portal Europe network (ID: GB-3189).

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Centre for the Study of World Christianity established?
A: The centre was founded in 1982 as part of the University of Edinburgh's School of Divinity.

### Q: What distinguishes the CSWC from other religious studies centres?
A: Unlike centres focused solely on theological training or single traditions, the CSWC emphasizes global Christianity, combining research with archival preservation of diverse Christian materials.

### Q: How is the CSWC involved in academic research?
A: The centre supports scholarly inquiry through its specialized archives, publications, and participation in global research networks, addressing the historical and contemporary spread of Christianity.

### Q: Where is the CSWC located?
A: It is based at Mound Place, Edinburgh, Scotland (EH1 2LX), with geographic coordinates 55.9495° N, -3.1953° E.

### Q: What resources does the CSWC provide?
A: It maintains extensive archival collections related to world Christianity, accessible via its website and physical location, supporting researchers and the public.

## Why It Matters
The Centre for the Study of World Christianity plays a pivotal role in documenting and analyzing the global development of Christianity, a religion practiced by over 2.4 billion people. By preserving archival materials and fostering interdisciplinary research, it bridges historical scholarship with contemporary religious dynamics. Its work addresses critical questions about cultural adaptation, missionary legacies, and the diversity of Christian traditions, providing resources to understand religion's impact on societies worldwide. As part of a leading university, it ensures rigorous academic engagement with a subject often dominated by confessional perspectives, promoting nuanced dialogue in a secular, multicultural world.

## Notable For
- **Founding Year**: Established in 1982, reflecting late 20th-century academic interest in global religious studies.
- **Dual Role**: Combines research institute functions with academic archival curation (recognized by Archives Portal Europe).
- **Global Focus**: Specializes in worldwide Christian traditions, distinct from regionally or denominationally limited centres.
- **University Affiliation**: Benefits from the University of Edinburgh's reputation while maintaining independent research priorities.
- **Multilingual Recognition**: Featured in English and Chinese Wikipedia editions, indicating international scholarly relevance.

## Body
### History and Founding
The Centre for the Study of World Christianity was established in 1982 under the University of Edinburgh School of Divinity. Its creation responded to growing academic interest in Christianity beyond Western contexts, particularly its expansion in Africa, Asia, and Latin America during the 20th century. The centre's founding aligned with broader trends in religious studies emphasizing global, cross-cultural perspectives.

### Organisation and Location
Based at Mound Place in Edinburgh, Scotland (postcode EH1 2LX), the CSWC operates from a historic academic hub. Its geographic coordinates (55.9495° N, -3.1953° E) place it within the University of Edinburgh's central campus. The centre is accessible via email (cswc-archives@ed.ac.uk) and maintains a dedicated website hosting archival resources and research updates.

### Academic and Archival Roles
As both a "research institute" and "academic archive," the CSWC engages in dual functions:
- **Research**: Scholars affiliated with the centre investigate topics such as missionary history, indigenous Christian movements, and the intersection of religion with colonialism and globalization.
- **Archival Curation**: The centre preserves rare documents, manuscripts, and records related to global Christianity, catalogued under Archon Code GB-3189 and accessible via the Archives Portal Europe (ID: GB-3189).

### Digital Presence and Resources
The CSWC website (http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/divinity/research/centres/world-christianity/collections-resources) serves as a gateway to its collections, including digitized materials and research tools. This digital infrastructure supports global access to resources that were historically limited to physical visitors, enhancing the centre's international impact.

### Classifications and Identifiers
The centre is classified under multiple international systems:
- **VIAF ID**: 162389858 (Virtual International Authority File)
- **ISNI**: 0000000404617358 (International Standard Name Identifier)
- **Ringgold ID**: 227969 (Ringgold Inc. organisational identifier)
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: nb2011001120

These identifiers ensure precise attribution in academic citations and global knowledge networks.

### Related Entities
- **University of Edinburgh School of Divinity**: Parent organisation providing institutional support and academic integration.
- **Archives Portal Europe**: Collaborative network amplifying access to the CSWC's archival holdings (ID: GB-3189).
- **Global Research Networks**: Partnerships with scholars and institutions studying world Christianity, facilitating cross-disciplinary dialogue.

### Geographical and Cultural Context
Situated in Edinburgh—a UNESCO World Heritage city—the CSWC benefits from proximity to major cultural and educational institutions. Its Scottish location belies its global focus, reflecting Scotland's historical missionary activities and modern academic outreach. The centre's work often engages with postcolonial critiques, examining Scotland's complex role in global Christian expansion.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.archivesportaleurope.net/directory/-/dir/ai/code/GB-3189)
2. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
3. Virtual International Authority File