Continuing Education Certificate in Christian Theology (Offered in Cantonese)
Reconstructing Faith Amid Diaspora and Trauma
Since 2021, a new wave of Hong Kong immigrants has come to Canada. Some of these new immigrants are Christians who want to explore the complexities of faith and culture in a new place. The program, conducted in Cantonese, aims to broaden participants’ understanding of the Christian faith and equip them to respond to the challenges of contemporary society.
This program offers an open-minded educational platform to introduce inclusive theological traditions to Chinese Christians. We welcome anyone seeking to renew their faith and explore new perspectives. Through this journey, we also aim to build a community committed to transformation in churches and society.
About this Program
The certificate program consists of four courses which can be completed within seven months. Each online course has four sessions at two hours each. This certificate is issued to anyone who completes all four courses.
Course Schedule and Fees
Class time: Fridays, 5–7 p.m. PT (Vancouver) / 8–10 p.m. ET (Toronto)
Course fee: $500 per course.
Course 1: "Exploring Faith in Postcolonial and Diasporic Experiences"
Dates: Sept. 12, 19, 26, and Oct. 3, 2025
With hundreds of thousands of Hongkongers emigrating for political reasons in recent years, diaspora has become central to our history and identity. But what does it mean to live in diaspora, and how can Hongkongers with a Christian background reflect on this “exodus?”
This course examines diaspora as both a concept and a shared lived experience through a postcolonial lens. It explores the intersections of diaspora, colonialism and postcolonialism from theological and biblical perspectives while inviting participants to reflect on and make meaning of their identity as Hongkongers in diaspora.
Ultimately, the course seeks to understand how a diasporic consciousness—shaped by the unique Hong Kong experience and informed by postcolonial theology—can inspire a sociopolitical vision relevant to faith.
Course 2: "The Specter of Trauma and the Journey to Healing"
Dates: TBD
This course uses hauntology as a framework to explore the intersections of collective trauma, healing and faith, offering fresh perspectives on theological reflection, biblical interpretation and faith dialogue. Participants will examine the deep impact of trauma on individual and communal identities and explore pathways to healing and reconciliation through God’s Word.
The course encourages participants to rethink approaches to faith conversations, fostering more effective communication and stronger faith communities. Through a mix of lectures, interactive discussions and practical exercises, it is ideal for believers looking to deepen their understanding of trauma, faith and theological application.
Join us on this transformative journey of healing and renewal!
Course 3: "The Christian Visions in Apocalyptic Literature and Challenges of the Era"
Dates: TBD
Rooted in the apocalyptic literature of early Judaism and Christianity, the concept of the apocalypse has long captured public interest. In times of crisis, it often fuels “end-times” discussions and becomes entangled with political agendas and rhetoric.
This course examines how Christians have interpreted and applied apocalyptic themes across public and scholarly discourse, highlighting how popular interpretations have often diverged from the original meaning of “unveiling.” Special emphasis is placed on understanding apocalyptic literature as resistance literature.
Participants will engage with biblical texts and contemporary issues, reflecting on how this perspective shapes faith and society.
Course 4: "Reconstructing Identity in Trauma and Diaspora"
Dates: TBD
Water symbolizes both life and healing, embodying the power of movement and transformation. In the Bible, water imagery reflects themes of redemption and grace, while also highlighting the tensions between trauma and renewal.
This course, rooted in biblical narratives, uses the metaphor of water as an analytical lens, drawing on Jürgen Moltmann’s theological insights into hope and renewal. It explores how identity can be reconstructed in contexts of trauma and diaspora.
Through interactive workshops, biblical text study and creative activities, participants will reflect on how healing and renewal can emerge from brokenness and displacement. The course aims to cultivate a hope that flows and transforms like water within diasporic communities.
Instructors & Administrator
Almond Ka Kwan Sin, PhD
Almond Ka Kwan Sin (she/her) is a Hebrew Bible scholar who earned her PhD from Vanderbilt University in 2023. Her research focuses on silenced voices in the Bible, exploring themes of marginalization, identity and resilience. Sin also holds an MA from Vanderbilt University, a ThM from Princeton Theological Seminary and an MDiv from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is currently a visiting professor at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Wing Yin Li, PhD Administrator
Wing Yi Wong (she/her) is a candidate for ordination in the United Church of Canada. She brings intercultural ministry experience from Hong Kong and North America to her role as an adjunct instructor at Emmanuel College and the Atlantic School of Theology, where she teaches practical theology, preaching and worship. Wing Yi holds a PhD in Homiletics from Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, a ThM in preaching from Princeton Theological Seminary, an MDiv from Alliance Bible Seminary, Hong Kong, and a BA in Anthropology from the Chinese University of Toronto. She was also a Louisville Dissertation Fellow. Her research focuses on postcolonial preaching, trauma studies and hauntology.
Alan Lai, Ed.D. Program Administrator
Alan Lai (he/him) has lived in Canada for more than 40 years. He was ordained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and later admitted to the United Church of Canada. An experienced minister, he has served both Chinese- and English-speaking congregations. He earned a Master of Sacred Theology from Lutheran Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Education from Columbia University. He has taught at the Vancouver School of Theology and Waterloo Lutheran Seminary and served as principal of the Centre for Christian Studies, a United Church theological school. He has taught courses in Jewish-Christian relations, intercultural education and practical theology. Alan is currently the minister of Tai Kong United Church in Vancouver.
Contact Info
To learn more about this program or apply, please contact Wing Yi Wong.
For donors who wish to support this program financially, contact vic.alumni@utoronto.ca.
If you wish to donate by credit card, call 416-585-4500 or toll-free, 1-888-262-9775
If you wish to donate by mail, send a cheque specifying the Cantonese Con Ed Program to:
Emmanuel College
75 Queen’s Park Crescent
Toronto, ON
M5S 1K7
Canada