The Centre for Sino-Christian Studies (CSCS) was established in July 2001. Its predecessor was the Research Programme of Christianity in East Asian Contexts (1997-1999) under the Lam Institute for East-West Studies. Although the Centre was recently established, its members have been active in research in Christian thought for many years, especially in the areas of theological, philosophical, and socio-political studies. The establishment of the Centre, has served as a rallying point for integrating various individual research activities into major and more in-depth research projects within the Chinese context.
 The importance of Sino-Christian Studies has been widely recognized by leading academic institutions. Many research institutes have recently been established in mainland China and Taiwan. This trend clearly reflects the recognition within academia of the significance of the study of Christian thought, which is integral to Western culture, for the renewal and modernization of Chinese culture. Being the only local university with a strong Christian heritage and commitment, the University is well positioned to establish a research centre in Sino-Christian studies to help advance Christian scholarship and sustain the vitality of "the University's heritage of Christian higher education within a Chinese cultural setting," as stated in the University's Mission Statement.
The Centre seeks to coalesce research in the field of Christian studies in the Chinese context; in particular, to explore the cultural significance of Christianity in the context of contemporary Chinese culture. It strives to excel in the following three areas of Sino-Christian thought: theological, philosophical, and socio-political. It endeavours, as far as possible, to integrate all these three approaches into each of its research projects so as to provide a broader perspective and a multi-disciplined approach. It will promote inter-disciplinary dialogues between Christian Studies and other academic disciplines, such as natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, etc. It aims to establish and coordinate regional and international networks of Christian Studies in the "Cultural China". Research outputs of the Centre will be published in refereed journals and in the Centre's book series.
 Recent major research projects include:
- Religious Faith and Public Values
- Christianity and Humanism
- In Search of Origins: An East-West Dialogue in Science and Religion
- Religion, Moral Development and Liberal Society
In addition to the above projects, the Centre will construct and maintain a website that will help promote Sino-Christian Studies by providing e-resources and a dynamic virtual environment for academic exchange and dialogue among Chinese scholars.
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