Scope and Contents
Note that the online version of the finding aid for this collection excludes certain sections, due to security concerns. A full copy of the finding is available at the repository. Please contact divinity.library@yale.edu for more information about access to the restricted materials.
This collection contains valuable documentation of the efforts of Christian organizations and individuals to reach Tibetan Buddhist peoples in Asia. The CAF archives form part of the Himalayan collection at Yale Divinity School, which also includes the archives of the United Mission to Nepal, International Nepal Fellowship, and the Nepal Church History Project. The CAF archives were formerly housed at the University of Edinburgh and have been labeled with a classification system. A full listing of the classification system is available in Box 5, Folder 12. Digital versions of many of the documents dating from 1995 to 2002 are available on a CD in Box 19. Digital versions of earlier documents are available on floppy disks in the same box, but may not be useable.
Series I, Pre-CAF Materials, provides useful documentation of early work to reach Tibetan peoples. Many of the individuals involved in this early work were from Scandinavian countries and the Scandinavian influence remained strong in CAF. Series II, Adminstration, contains the core of minutes, reports, and other documentation of the operations of CAF. Much of the correspondence in Series III is with two General Secretaries: Asbjorn Voreland and Grethe Raddum. Series IV, Countries, contains resource material regarding the religion, culture, and language of areas of interest to CAF, as well as documentation of the efforts of Christian organizations in these areas. The remaining series document the CAF's operations and membership information, literature distribution efforts, courses and consultations it arranged, and projects it supported. The Publications of Series X included audio-visual materials as well as printed literature, including, for example, versions of the Jesus film in Dzongkha, Eastern Tamang, Sherpa, Tibetan (Amdo), and Tibetan (Lhasa).
Series XI, Addendum -2015, includes additional publications and documenation of the work of CAF.
Dates
- 1893-2016
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
The portions of this collection that are listed in this finding aid are open for research.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of the Central Asia Fellowship, 2009, 2014, 2017
Arrangement
- I. Pre-CAF Materials (B), 1893-1990
- II. Administration (C), 1986-2002
- III. Correspondence (D), 1989-1999, n.d.
- IV. Countries (E), 1987-1998, n.d.
- V. Finances (F), 1986-1999, n.d.
- VI. Library (L), 1996-1997, n.d.
- VII. Members (M), 1985-2002
- VIII. Projects (P), 1988-1998
- IX. Training and Teaching (S), 1988-1998
- X. Publications (A), 1969-2003, n.d.
- XI: Addendum - 2015
- XII. Addendum - 2017
Extent
16 Linear Feet (40 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Abstract
These are the official archives of the Central Asia Fellowship, which was established in 1989 by Christian mission organizations, churches, and individuals coming together to form a network and a resource organization in order to reach Tibetan Buddhist peoples in Bhutan, China, the Commonwealth of Independent States (Russian republics), India, Mongolia, and Nepal. Portions of the archives are restricted due to security concerns.
Biographical / Historical
The Central Asia Fellowship was established in 1989 by Christian mission organizations, churches, and individuals coming together to form a network and a resource organization in order to reach Tibetan Buddhist peoples in Bhutan, China, the Commonwealth of Independent States (Russian republics), India, Mongolia, and Nepal. Headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, the CAF is not a mission organization in itself but rather a resource center for information, fellowship, training, research, and practical support of projects. The CAF was involved in work with the United Bible Society in the area of Bible translation.
The CAF is run by a Board that is appointed at the Annual General Meeting by vote among the members, and which also appoints a General Secretary and a local Working Committee for the day-to-day work of the organization.
Custodial History
These archives were formerly housed at the University of Edinburgh.
- Title
- Guide to the Central Asia Fellowship Records
- Author
- Martha Lund Smalley and Jeffrey Coutts
- Date
- 2010, 2015, 2017
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Yale Divinity Library Repository