Standaert, Nicolas2019-09-252019-09-252019-08-2020170009-4668http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12424/170687Since 1582 there has been a continuous presence of Jesuits in China, except for the suppression period and its aftermath (which corresponds to the years 1775–1842). This period without Jesuits may provide various challenging insights. It shows that Chinese Christian communities and their leaders played a pivotal role in the continuation and vitality of Christian life. The three events of the suppression, absence, and restoration of the Society of Jesus in China illustrate the contribution of these Christian communities and their leaders.engChristian Study Centre on Chinese Religion and Culture, Chung Chi College, Shatin, Hong KongCatholic ChurchmissionsChinaJesuitsChristian lifeChristianityChurch historyIntercultural and contextual theologiesAsian theologiesArticle