Despite the longevity and vitality of Christianity in the region, South Asia is not well represented in the world of missiological scholarship. What is available is either dated or not comprehensive nor focused enough.
Furthermore

• India and Pakistan are home to the most ancient Christian tradition. Christians in South Asia need greater awarness of their apostolic heritage.
• A recent surge of Christian growth in some regions (e.g. Nepal and North East India) requires documentation and exploration.
• Ongoing vitality, exhibited in a proliferation of churches of indigenous origin requires objective portrayal.
• Identification of archival deposits and points of need for collection and preservation of priceless documents is crucial.
• Demonstration of the historical presence and cultural contributions of Christianity to the region and its integral role in nation building and socio-economic development is vital, particularly in the present context.

To this end a one-volume dictionary is proposed with scholarly contributions on Christianity in each of the South Asian countries by Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant writers and editors with expertise in a wide range of disciplines.

The Dictionary of South Asian Christianity will be a major, 1000 page, ecumenical reference work. It will serve as a valuable reference tool for the interested layman and scholar alike for many decades to come.