On the afternoon of December 7, 2020, Nanjing Union Theological Seminary had an opening ceremony for the 2020 doctoral programs. There were 12 doctoral students in total, welcomed by all staff members of the seminary as well as six off-campus doctoral supervisors who attended online as the ceremony was being live-streamed.

Five doctoral students were enrolled in the year of 2019, among whom two are students of systematic theology, and three are doctoral students of ministry. Another seven doctoral students were admitted in 2020, with three in systematic theology, two in New Testament and two in Doctor of Ministry.

Executive Vice President Rev. Chen Yilu hosted the opening ceremony. Vice President Rev. Chen Bin led the thanksgiving prayer.

Eight supervisors of three programs were present simultaneously online, including Prof. Miikka Ruokanen and Prof. Joshua Cho (systematic theology program), Prof. Simon S. M. Wong and Prof. You Bin (New Testament program), Prof. Pan Yirong and Prof. Cao Minjing (Doctor of Ministry program), as well as Rev. Chen Yilu (Doctor of Ministry program) and Rev. Chen Yongtao (systematic theology program).

They gave blessings and exhortation to these doctoral students in turn, and shared their personal stories and teaching experience to encourage them to clarity personal goals.

Afterwards, the Academic Dean Rev. Dr. Lin Manhong congratulated these doctoral students. She also shared the process of curriculum designs, program plans for the candidates as well as future career prospects, inciting them to study assiduously.  

(Translated and edited by Bei Sang)