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The Asian Theological Institute (ATI) is a mentoring program for doctoral students (PhD/ThD) engaged in religious and theological studies whose research, scholarship, or vocational interests explore Asian and Asian American religion, theology, history, culture, philosophy, mission, ministry, and interreligious engagement. Distinguished faculty and scholars serve as mentors in ATI's programs, guiding and supporting students throughout the dissertation writing process and their development as scholars.
ATI selects up to 20 candidates each year for the Summer Institute through a competitive application process. Applications are accepted from January 1 through February 10, 2027. The Summer Institute is held on the campus of United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. Selected participants are eligible for travel assistance and a stipend provided through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Since its founding, ATI has mentored more than 400 doctoral students from over 40 universities, divinity schools, and seminaries in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. In addition to the Summer Institute, ATI offers annual Mentoring Seminars in Asia, teaching and learning workshops, dissertation research grants, collaborative research grants, and professional development opportunities that support emerging scholars and strengthen theological education.
Rev. Dr. Paul Rajashekar
Director and Founder (since 2007)
Contact: ati@uls.edu
ATI cultivates scholarship, mentorship, and collaboration in the study of Asian and Asian American Christianity, theology, religious traditions, history, culture, philosophy, mission, and ministry. The Institute provides a forum for intellectual exchange, professional networking, and collaborative scholarship among doctoral students and faculty mentors.
• Explore issues and themes related to Asian and Asian American histories, cultures, religions, and theological traditions within graduate theological studies
• Engage the rich theological, historical, philosophical, and cultural traditions of Asia and the Asian diaspora within academic scholarship
• Deepen and broaden the perspectives that inform research, teaching, and ministry
• Foster meaningful connections among doctoral students, scholars, and mentors
• Share resources that strengthen research, writing, teaching, and publication
• Create opportunities for ongoing collaboration, professional development, mentorship, and mutual support
The Asian Theological Institute (ATI) was founded in 2007 as an experimental mentoring initiative by Rev. Dr. J. Paul Rajashekar, then Academic Dean of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP), and his colleague, Rev. Dr. H. S. Wilson, Professor of Church History and Missions.
As doctoral students studying in the United States during the 1970s, Drs. Rajashekar and Wilson experienced the challenges of pursuing theological scholarship with few faculty mentors familiar with Asian theological perspectives, cultural contexts, and scholarly concerns. Their experiences inspired a vision for a mentoring network that would support future generations of scholars engaged in religious and theological studies.
That vision began to take shape in 2006 when LTSP received a planning grant from the Henry Luce Foundation. The grant enabled Dr. Rajashekar to convene a conversation among Asian and Asian American scholars at the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature annual meetings in Washington DC. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and plans were developed for a new mentoring initiative.
The program launched in May 2007 as the Asian Theological Summer Institute (ATSI). From the beginning, the Institute was designed to support doctoral students whose scholarship engaged Asian and Asian American Christianity, theology, religion, history, culture, and related fields. Through a weeklong residential program, participants received feedback on dissertation proposals, engaged in interdisciplinary dialogue, and benefited from both peer and faculty mentoring.
Over time, the program expanded through support from the Henry Luce Foundation and, more recently, Lilly Endowment Inc. The Lutheran Seminary at Philadelphia, and now United Lutheran Seminary, has provided institutional support and a home for the program's continued growth.
In recognition of its expanding mission, ATSI became the Asian Theological Institute (ATI) in 2023. Today, ATI offers far more than the annual Summer Institute. The program provides dissertation research grants, collaborative research grants, teaching and learning workshops, professional development opportunities, an international mentoring network, and annual Mentoring Seminars in Asia.
Over the past two decades, ATI has grown into an international network of scholars, mentors, and alumni representing more than40 universities, divinity schools, and seminaries across the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Participants have come from a wide range of national, cultural, denominational, academic, and religious backgrounds, creating a vibrant community of scholars engaged in theological and religious studies.
ATI was intentionally designed to foster cross-cultural, cross-national, interdisciplinary, and ecumenical collaboration among scholars exploring Asian and Asian American Christianity, theology, religion, history, culture, and related disciplines. This commitment to scholarly exchange and mentorship remains central to the Institute's mission.
Over the past two decades, ATI's vision has remained rooted in fostering scholarship related to Asian and Asian American Christianity, theology, religion, history, and culture while welcoming participation from scholars whose research aligns with the Institute's mission and objectives.
Today, ATI's reach extends well beyond North America, nurturing an international network of scholars, educators, church leaders, and researchers. ATI has welcomed participants from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Myanmar, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, Syria, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mongolia, Australia, the United States, Canada, and several European countries.
The annual ATI Breakfast at the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature meetings provides an opportunity for ATI faculty, alumni, and current participants to renew relationships, strengthenprofessional networks, celebrate new publications and appointments, and highlight the ongoing impact of the Institute.
To be accepted, applicants must have completed their doctoral coursework and comprehensive exams. In addition, selected candidates must be prepared to present their dissertation or project proposals to a peer group of students and ATI faculty for review/feedback. ATI faculty also offers individual mentoring.
2027 Registration opens on January 1, 2027 and cuts off at midnight EST on February 10, 2027. Thanks to a grant from Lilly Endowment, the ATI will offer selected candidates travel to an from their institution on record and a small stipend.
APPLY HERE FOR THE 2027 INSTITUTE - REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 1, 2027
Rev. Dr. J. Paul Rajashekar
Director, ATI
Luther D. Reed Professor of Systematic Theology Emeritus
ati@uls.edu
Rev. Dr. Junehee Yoon
Coordinator, ATI
Adjunct Professor of Ethics
jyoon@uls.edu
Rev. Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian
ATI periodically conducts Teaching and Learning workshops for recent ATI alums who have either just graduated or are in the early stages of their academic careers. Participation is by invitation only and limited to 15 participants residing in North America. The workshop is sponsored by the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion.
Dr. Su Yon Pak, Dean of Union Theological Seminary, New York, NY, and Dr. Tat-siong Benny Liew, Holy Cross University, Worcester, MA, will lead the workshop on ULS's Philadelphia campus.
In response to growing interest from theological institutions throughout Asia, ATI launched its first Mentoring Seminar in Asia in October 2025 in Bangkok, in partnership with the Foundation for Theological Education: Asia-Pacific and a consortium of theological schools in the region. It brought together doctoral candidates from India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Mongolia, South Korea, and the Philippines. Similar to the Summer Institute in the United States, participants receive mentoring, dissertation feedback, and opportunities for interdisciplinary scholarly engagement. The second Mentoring Seminar was held August 2-8, 2026, in Bangkok. Here is the publisher's description of the book:
The third Mentoring Seminar is scheduled to be held in Chiang Mai, August 1-7, 2027.
The Mentoring Seminars extend ATI's mission of fostering scholarship, mentorship, and collaboration while strengthening networks among emerging scholars throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
This new pilot project is launched to help recent ATI alums write successful book proposals to turn their dissertations into published books. Two distinguished ATI faculty mentors (Dr. Kwok Pui Lan and Dr. Peter C. Phan) will provide coaching. The workshop will be conducted via Zoom, with individual and group meetings in spring 2027, and will be free.
For this pilot project, ATI will select five alums from the 2022–2025 cohorts who have successfully defended their dissertations between 2023 and 2026. Faculty mentors select participants based on a review of the proposals. Selection criteria: scholarly originality, notable contribution to the field (not restricted to Asian and Asian American Studies), clear and cogent organization, and elegant style. An email has been sent to all eligible cohorts announcing this project. If you have not received this communication, please get in touch with the ATI Program Coordinator: Jyoon@uls.edu.
This celebratory volume, edited by Tat-siong Benny Liew and published by Springer Palgrave Macmillan (2026), is available for free download on Amazon.
Here is the publisher's description of the book:
This open-access celebratory volume marks the twentieth anniversary of the Asian Theological Institute (ATI), which is committed to mentoring and building community as resources for sustaining future theological work. It gathers contributions from ATI alumni and alumnae across diverse disciplines, ethnicities, career stages, and geographic locations to reflect on their experiences with ATI, their scholarship, and the culture of the academy. More than a retrospective, this anthology demonstrates how Asian and Asian American theologians are advancing innovative scholarship while building intergenerational networks of support. By weaving together critical reflection, constructive theology, and personal witness, this collection honors ATI’s legacy while pointing toward the dynamic future of Asian and Asian American theological studies.
ATI offers up to ten dissertation research grants of $3,000 each to ATI alumni engaged in dissertation research, writing, or editing expenses. Strict criteria apply. Applicants must have attended the Summer Institute in the past two years to be eligible.
ATI offers up to ten dissertation research grants of $3,000 each to ATI alumni engaged in dissertation research, writing, or editing expenses. Strict criteria apply. Applicants must have attended the Summer Institute in the past two years to be eligible.
Eligibility Requirements
• Applicants must be full-time PhD students who have completed coursework and advanced to dissertation research.
• Applicants must provide evidence of an approved dissertation proposal or prospectus.
• Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their academic advisor.
• Applicants must provide a budget narrative describing the intended use of grant funds.
• Applicants who have received comparable grants for the same project from other organizations may not be eligible.
Applications are received on a rolling basis.
Submit your proposal here. For inquiries, contact the ATI Grants Coordinator: jsebastian@uls.edu
ATI offers up to five collaborative research grants of up to $5,000 each to ATI alumni (those who have completed their doctoral work) pursuing collaborative or interdisciplinary projects related to Asian and Asian American Christianity, theology, religion, history, culture, and related fields.
Applicants must submit a proposal that includes project goals, participants, timeline, budget narrative, anticipated outcomes, and plans for publication or dissemination. At least one applicant must be a resident of North America.
Applications are received on a rolling basis. Submit your proposal here. For inquiries, contact the ATI Grants Coordinator: jsebastian@uls.edu
The Asian Theological Institute (ATI) announces the establishment of an annual Book Award for an ATI alum for a new scholarly publication that makes a significant contribution to the study of Asian and/or Asian American Theological Studies.
This award honors an ATI alum for a new scholarly publication that makes a significant contribution to the study of Asian and/or Asian American Theological Studies.
Criteria
Nominations, including self-nominations, will be accepted for consideration from those who meet the following criteria:
Mailing address:
Dr. J. Paul Rajashekar
Asian Theological Institute,
United Lutheran Seminary,
7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Nomination Template
Submit a nomination form with each nomination. Nominators will be required to provide the following information using the template below:
Book Award Category (discipline or sub-discipline):
Name of Book Author:
Title of Book:
ISBN:
Name of Publisher:
Link to nominated book listing on publisher’s website:
Copyright Date:
Book Author’s Contact Information (email):
Nominator Contact Information (if applicable):
Brief explanation of why the book deserves recognition:
Selection Process
The Book Award Committee appointed by ATI will select one publication from among the nominations. The writer will be honored with a certificate at the Asian Theological Institute’s Annual Breakfast at the AAR/SBL Meetings each year. Copies of the book will be provided to all student and faculty participants at ATI’s Summer Institute. In addition, the award recipient will receive a $500 gift from ATI.
Those publications that are nominated but do not receive the award are eligible to be in the pool of potential awardees for the following year.
Submission Deadlines
The completed nomination form and nomination letter (if applicable) must be received by the February 1 deadline each year. The Award results will be announced by May 15th of each year.
ATI faculty mentors serve as the program's Advisory Committee, providing guidance for the Institute's ongoing development and strategic direction. The faculty based in Asia serves as the Advisory Committee for the Mentoring Seminars in Asia. Dr, J. Paul Rajashekar, Luther D. Reed Professor of Systematic Theology Emeritus at United Lutheran Seminary, serves as Director of ATI. Dr. June Hee Yoon, Adjunct Professor of Ethics at United Lutheran Seminary, serves as ATI Program Coordinator. Dr. Jayakiran Sebastian, H. George Anderson Chair and Professor for Mission and Cultures, is the ATI Coordinator for Grants.
ATI collaborates with the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning and periodically organizes workshops on pedagogy and teaching practices for ATI alumni. Workshops have been offered in 2014, 2017, 2019, 2024, and 2025 with additional workshops planned in 2027. The Wabash Center also sponsors the annual ATI Breakfast at the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature meetings.
ATI played a significant role in the formation of the Association of Asian and Asian North American Theological Educators in the United States (AANATE) and maintains collaborative relationships with Pacific Asian North American Asian Women in Theology and Ministry (PANAAWTAM), the Hispanic Theological Initiative (HTI), the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE), and the Asian American Theological Forum (AATFWEB.org), an online scholarly journal developed by ATI alumni.
ATI also collaborates with the Foundation for Theological Education: Asia-Pacific and a variety of theological schools, accrediting agencies, and educational consortia throughout Asia. These partnerships help extend ATI's mentoring network and support the development of emerging scholars across the Asia-Pacific region.
ATI has also collaborated with Candler Foundry at Emory University to offer online courses focused on Asian and Asian American studies of Christianity.
ATI alumni consistently cite the Institute's rigorous academic feedback, supportive mentoring relationships, and vibrant scholarly community as transformative to their doctoral studies and professional development.
"The proposal sessions were among the most valuable components of ATI. The comments I received helped me strengthen my methodology and think more critically about the broader significance of my project. I also learned a great deal from listening to the projects of other participants."
"ATI was a transformative experience for me. I found ATI to be a welcoming and intellectually vibrant community where diverse perspectives were genuinely respected."
"One of the greatest strengths of ATI is its ability to bring together scholars from different cultural, religious, and disciplinary backgrounds. The conversations throughout the week expanded my understanding of how research can contribute to compassion, healing, justice, and social responsibility."
"The encouragement I received from faculty mentors and fellow participants strengthened both my academic work and my sense of vocation. I leave ATI deeply grateful for the friendships, mentorship, and scholarly exchange that made this week so enriching."
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