Emmanuel College Launches New Initiative to Tackle Anti-Asian Racism
By Leslie Shepherd
May is Asian Heritage Month and Emmanuel College will launch a new project aimed at addressing anti-Asian racism by drawing on the lived experiences, faith and spiritual practices of Canadians of Asian descent.
The initiative includes renaming a longstanding committee, organizing a major conference and supporting emerging leaders. It reflects the college’s dedication to tackling racism while encouraging collaboration and understanding among diverse communities.
As it prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026, the Committee on Asian/North American Asian Theologies, known as CANAAT, is expanding its focus and adopting a new name: the Committee on Asian/North American Asian Theologies and Spiritualities, or CANAATS.
CANAAT was founded to be a theological resource and support for Emmanuel College, the Toronto School of Theology and United Church of Canada faith communities.
“The name change highlights the committee’s broader mandate to include the rich diversity of spiritual practices within Asian and North American Asian communities,” said Emmanuel College Principal HyeRan Kim-Cragg. “It will move beyond a primarily Christian framework to embrace a wider range of traditions and perspectives.”
The renaming also signals a renewed focus on addressing pressing issues, such as anti-Asian racism, which has become more visible in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To mark this transition, CANAATS will host a major conference at Emmanuel College in October 2026. The event will bring together ministers, lay leaders and students to explore how to confront racism and promote equity within diverse Asian faith communities and beyond.
The conference will be the centerpiece of the project. It’s designed to spark meaningful conversations and inspire practical action on anti-Asian racism, said Dr. Henry Shiu, the Shi Wu De Assistant Professor in Chinese Buddhist Studies at Emmanuel and co-chair of CANAATS.
By bringing together participants from various faith communities and academic circles, the event aims to equip leaders to make real change in their congregations, workplaces and neighborhoods, Dr. Shiu said.
The conference proceedings and related publications will have a lasting impact, contributing to ongoing public and theological discussions about racism and the role of faith in fighting it, he said.
Another important part of the initiative is strengthening connections among Asian ministers and lay leaders in the United Church of Canada. The project will spotlight theological developments in Asia and North America, raise awareness, and encourage collaboration across denominations and traditions.
CANAATS received $3,200 from the Alfred J. Mitchell Trust at the United Church of Canada Foundation, along with matching funds from Victoria University, to support these projects.