Eric Liddell's Missionary Legacy Explored

Wednesday December 13 2023

Legendary athlete Eric Liddell’s work as a Christian missionary in China, and the recent history of Christianity in the country, will be explored at an event in February.

The event is in association with the Community’s celebration of the centenary of Liddell’s famous victory in the 400m at the 1924 Olympics – the triumph depicted in the Oscar-winning 1981 film chariots of fire.

After those Olympics Liddell retired from athletics and returned to China, where he had been born. Interned by the Japanese during the Second World War, he died of a brain tumour in 1945.

‘The Life and Death of Eric Liddell and the Rebirth of Chinese Christianity’, on February 3 at the Eric Liddell Community in Edinburgh, will include contributions from three scholars of the University of Edinburgh.

Prof Brian Stanley (Professor Emeritus of World Christianity, School of Divinity) will speak on 'The Last Days of Eric Liddell and the Last Days of Mission Christianity in China'.

Dr Alex Chow (Senior Lecturer in Theology and World Christianity, School of Divinity, will talk on 'Chinese Christianity amongst the New Scots'.

Dr. Mark McLeister (Lecturer in Chinese Studies, Asian Studies), will look at 'Christianity in China Today'.

There will also be opportunity for questions and discussion.

The half-day event is free. Visit Eventbrite to register.

The Eric Liddell 100 is a programme of educational, sporting and cultural events celebrating Liddell’s legacy and aiming to bring his achievements to life for new generations. Among the events will be an Eric Liddell interfaith celebration at St Giles’ Cathedral in the summer.

Life and Work is the magazine of the Church of Scotland

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