Toronto, ON – September 16, 2026 — University of Toronto Press (UTP) and Emmanuel College of Victoria University, Toronto School of Theology, are very pleased to announce a new strategic partnership to develop a scholarly journal dedicated to the growing field of Buddhist spiritual care. The International Journal of Buddhist Spiritual Care will serve as a forum for research, professional reflection, and interdisciplinary and interfaith dialogue on the application of Buddhist teachings and practices in contemporary contexts of care.
The Journal will bring together scholars, practitioners, educators, and community leaders to explore how Buddhist traditions inform spiritual care, ethical practice, professional formation, and compassionate engagement across diverse institutional and community settings. Particular areas of focus will include healthcare and palliative care, mental health services, correctional institutions, military service, educational environments, religious organizations, ecological care, and contemplative practice.
The new publication emerges in response to increasing scholarly and professional interest in Buddhist contributions to spiritual care and practical theology. Building on a rapidly expanding body of research, it will serve as a venue for rigorous, peer-reviewed scholarship that advances understanding of Buddhist approaches to care, healing, resilience, and human flourishing.
“Interest in Buddhist approaches to spiritual care has grown significantly in recent years, both within academic scholarship and among practitioners working in increasingly diverse care settings,” said Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg, Principal at Emmanuel College. “This new international journal, under the leadership of Henry Shiu, holding Shi Wu De Professorship in Chinese Buddhism and Jenny Bright, holding Wutai Shan Ven. Dayi Professorship in Buddhist Spiritual Care as editors-in-chief, will provide an essential platform for advancing research, sharing best practices, and fostering meaningful dialogue across disciplines and traditions.”
“University of Toronto Press is proud to partner with Emmanuel College on this important initiative,” said Antonia Pop, Vice-President, Publishing, University of Toronto Press. “As the field of spiritual care continues to evolve, there is a growing need for dedicated scholarly venues that reflect diverse religious, cultural, and intellectual traditions. This journal will help establish Buddhist spiritual care as a distinct area of scholarly inquiry while supporting research with real-world impact.”
The partnership reflects both institutions’ commitment to fostering innovative scholarship that addresses contemporary social, spiritual, and professional challenges. By creating a dedicated venue for research and dialogue, the journal will help advance understanding of Buddhist perspectives on care, compassion, ethics, and professional practice in an increasingly interconnected world.
About University of Toronto Press
Founded in 1901, University of Toronto Press is Canada’s leading scholarly publisher and one of the largest university presses in North America. In 2026, UTP is celebrating 125 years of publishing world-leading scholarship that informs, broadens perspectives and promotes critical dialogue, with the mission to connect ideas for a better world. UTP publishes 250 new book titles per year and 80 journals, with a backlist that includes over 10,000 book titles and 75,000 journal articles. UTP is widely recognized internationally for its content covering a vast array of disciplines in medical and health sciences, business, law, education, political science and policy, sociology, general history, philosophy, and literature, among other areas. To learn more, visit utorontopress.com.
About Emmanuel College
Emmanuel College, founded in 1928, is one of two colleges of Victoria University in the University of Toronto and a member of the Toronto School of Theology. A leader in theological education and interdisciplinary scholarship, Emmanuel College is recognized internationally for its innovative work in spiritual care, study of Buddhism, Christian and Muslim theologies, chaplaincy education and interreligious engagement. With founding roots in the United Church of Canada, Emmanuel is today a graduate college that brings together Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and other religious and spiritual communities. The college prepares leaders and scholars for rigorous theological inquiry, interfaith engagement and inclusive practices of justice and care. To learn more, visit emmanuel.utoronto.ca.