Yu-Shan Theological College and Seminary


Yu-Shan Theological College and Seminary, shortly Yushan Seminary, is a Protestant institution located in Hualien County, Taiwan. Since its establishment in 1946, Yushan Seminary has been the only theological school dedicated to Taiwanese indigenous peoples. It offers programs ranging from educational certificates to doctoral degrees. The school is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan and is a member of the Association for Theological Education in Southeast Asia.
WWW yushanth.org.twFB ric.ystcs.taiwan

History

In 1946, Pastor Wen Rongchun, entrusted by missionary James Ira Dickson, established the "Taiwan Bible School" to cultivate talents for indigenous missionary work. The school borrowed the agricultural training center in Fushi Village, Xiulin Township, Hualien County for classrooms.
In 1949, the school moved to Xia Meilun aluminum company's employee dormitory and shared the building with the "Holy Light Handicraft Workshop" for classes. In the same year, the school was renamed "Taiwan Bible Academy".
In 1957, the school moved to the mountain clinic in Guanshan Township, Taitung County, and was renamed "Yushan Bible Academy."
In 1958, Lillian R. Dickson, the founder of the Mustard Seed Society, established a volunteer school for indigenous people in Hualien, providing training in agriculture, animal husbandry, carpentry, hairdressing, and Bible education. Many indigenous people who were enthusiastic about theology entered Yushan Theological Seminary after graduating from the volunteer school. This also meant that nearly half of the early indigenous preachers or pastors of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan were graduates of the Mustard Seed Society's volunteer school.
In 1959, the school moved to its current location at Liyutan and was renamed "Yushan Theological Seminary".
In 1977, the name was changed to "Yu-Shan Theological College and Seminary".
In 1993, the Research Institute of Theology was established.
On September 15 2022, the school held a thanksgiving service to mark the start of the new academic year and the inauguration of the 13th president, Pastor Walis Ukan of the Seediq tribe.
In 2024, the school hosted the annual conference of the Society of Asian Biblical Studies, focusing on biblical hermeneutics in indigenous perspectives. Scholars from over 17 countries participated, highlighting Yushan’s role in global indigenous theological education.

Academic Programs

Yushan Seminary offers a range of programs:
There were 223 students and 12 teachers in the 2024 academic year.

Indigenous Engagement

Yushan Seminary is deeply embedded in Taiwan indigenous communities:
  • Students and faculty represent multiple indigenous groups
  • Worship services incorporate indigenous languages and rituals
  • Hosts events like “Indigenous Month” and “Ethnic Worship Celebrations”
  • Promotes indigenous biblical hermeneutics and theology.
The total population of Taiwanese indigenous peoples is approximately 460,000, of whom more than 300,000 are Christians. Graduates of Yushan Seminary account for about half of all indigenous Christian missionaries.

Leadership

First president: Wen Rongchun
Acting president and Ninth-Eleventh president : Rev. Pusin Tali. He was also appointed Taiwan’s first ambassador-at-large for religious freedom in 2019.
Current president: Walis Ukan

Campus

The school is located at No. 28, Section 1, Chinan Road, Chinan Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, Republic of China, near the scenic Liyu Lake and surround by mountains.