All kinds of religions are thriving in China, with Christianity growing the fastest. In light of the dramatic development of Christianity in China in the past 30 years that has attracted academic and public attentions both in China and the United States, many scholars, policy makers, and journalists are requesting comprehensive information about the geographic locations, religious services, and socio-economic environments of Chinese Christian churches and organizations.

To this end, the Center on Religion and Chinese Society at Purdue University and the China Data Center at the University of Michigan propose to establish the spatial intelligence information network aimed at promoting research, teaching, learning, and training on the studies of Chinese Christianity from the summer of 2011 to the summer of 2014. The proposed project represents the first effort to provide quantitative, accurate, current, and comprehensive information about Christian churches and organizations in China through spatial information technology.

Specifically, the proposed project is designed to meet the following objectives through a variety of activities: 1) establish a centralized information infrastructure; 2) provide effective tools and technical support for interested users through spatial intelligence information technology; 3) create an online research forum designed to promote information sharing and improve understanding of Christianity in China by scholars and policy makers; and 4) render comprehensive information about teaching, learning, and training on the studies of Chinese Christianity. To complete these activities, the project is requesting $300,000 from the Henry Luce Foundation for a three year period.

As planned, the proposed project will have seven specific outputs: 1) establish a spatial intelligence information network on comprehensive Christian information in four leading Christian provinces in China; 2) select and post approximately 5,000 churches and 5,000 Christian pastors on the proposed network; 3) select and post 50 leading religious institutes in China and the world on the network; 4) post more than 10,000 Christian study materials and resources; 5) collect and post at least 100 videos about Chinese Christians? services; 6) invite 20 scholars to attend an academic training workshop in China; and 7) invite 5 instructors to develop their curriculum and deliver courses on the studies of Chinese Christianity.